A case series: patients with complicated popliteal artery entrapment syndrome successfully treated with a hybrid surgical and interventional treatment

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is an underreported and underdiagnosed condition that affects the lower extremities. Previous case reports mainly presented young and uncomplicated PAES. Here, we report the cases of complicated PAES in middle-aged patients. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach from diagnosis to treatment to obtain favourable clinical outcomes against this rare disease. CASE SUMMARY: Two middle-aged patients presented with recent claudication and were diagnosed with popliteal artery obstruction due to a complicated PAES. At the multidisciplinary meeting, the decided treatment plan was to prioritize the gastrocnemius tendon accessory transfer and surgical thromboendarterectomy. In case the popliteal artery patency was unsatisfactory, an additional on-site percutaneous intervention was planned. Follow-up lower extremity computed tomographic angiography showed a patent popliteal artery without any claudication in both two cases. DISCUSSION: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare vascular disorder. Clinical suspicion and advanced imaging modalities can lead to an accurate diagnosis. A multidisciplinary team approach helps in obtaining favourable clinical results using minimally invasive hybrid surgical and interventional treatments.