Abstract:

Objective　To evaluate the diagnostic value of imaging techniques in    the popliteal vascular entrapment syndrome caused by an accessary muscle slip of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Methods　4 patients who underwent surgical treatment for PVES caused by the accessary muscle slip of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated retrospectively. The imaging examination findings included Doppler sonography, DSA, CT angiography and MRI were reviewed.　Results　Two cases of Popliteal artery occlusion in 2 cases, 1 case of medial displacement of bilateral popliteal veins and formation of thrombosis in the left popliteal vein, 1 case of compression of both popliteal arteries and veins were found. Doppler sonography and DSA can clearly show the anatomic features of a vascular lesion of the popliteal artery and vein, but not sufficient to render a diagnosis of PVES. Both CTA and MRI can provide optimal visualization of the popliteal vessels and the surrounding anomalous slip of muscle and confirm the diagnosis of PVES, which was consistent with intraoperative photography.　Conclusion　PVES caused by an accessary muscle slip of the lateral head of the gasctrocnemius muscle are rare, and imaging examination is important in diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Key words: Popliteal vascular entrapment syndrome, The lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle, Accessory muscle slip, Imaging, Diagnosis