Peripheral artery aneurysms

A peripheral artery aneurysm is a bulge that forms in an artery outside the aorta, most often in the arteries behind the knee or in the groin. Left untreated, these aneurysms can grow and lead to serious complications. Our vascular specialists offer expert evaluation and treatment for peripheral artery aneurysms, including popliteal and femoral artery aneurysms.

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A medical illustration of veins and arteries in the lower body.

Anatomy of the femoral and popliteal arteries

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body’s tissues. In the leg, the femoral artery runs from the groin through the thigh and becomes the popliteal artery behind the knee. Together, these arteries help deliver blood to the lower leg and foot.

When a weak area develops in an artery wall, it can bulge outward and form an aneurysm. A peripheral artery aneurysm may enlarge over time and can lead to blood clotting or reduced blood flow. In some cases, it may rupture, although rupture is less common than clot-related complications.

Overview

Symptoms

Peripheral artery aneurysms don't always cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

A pulsating lump behind the knee or in the groin
Leg pain, cramping or weakness, especially with walking
Swelling in the leg
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Cold or discolored skin on the foot or toes

Symptoms can develop gradually as the aneurysm grows or appear suddenly if a blood clot forms or the aneurysm ruptures. Sudden, severe pain or a cold, pale leg needs immediate medical attention.

Causes

A peripheral artery aneurysm develops when the wall of an artery weakens and bulges outward. Common contributing factors include:

Atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque in the artery walls
Wear and tear on the artery over time
Connective tissue conditions that weaken blood vessel walls
Prior injury to the artery

In many cases, more than one factor contributes to the development of an aneurysm.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing a peripheral artery aneurysm, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll develop this condition:

Being male
Age, since risk increases as you get older
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Having an aneurysm elsewhere in the body, such as the aorta
A family history of aneurysms

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team decide on appropriate monitoring and treatment.

Diagnosis

Peripheral artery aneurysms are often found during an exam for another condition or when a patient reports a pulsating lump or leg symptoms. Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam, followed by imaging to confirm the aneurysm's size and location. Common tests include:

Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the artery and measure the aneurysm
CT scan, which provides detailed cross-sectional images of the artery
MRI scan, which can help evaluate the aneurysm and surrounding blood vessels

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