Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is an uncommon entity with a spectrum of findings. Awareness of the imaging findings is important to tailor the examination for confirmation of the diagnosis and surgical planning. The diagnosis of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome requires not only depiction of the arterial changes but also identification of the abnormal anatomic structures responsible for the entrapment. Although arterial compression can be shown on conventional angiography or sonography, the underlying anatomic abnormality cannot be identified on either modality. Tailored MRI and MR angiography can show the abnormal muscular or fibrous attachment and the arterial findings necessary for diagnosis and surgical planning.