Which of the following statements about popliteal artery aneurysm is correct?
- A It is the second most common peripheral artery aneurysm after the femoral
- B Its principal danger is rupture causing haemorrhagic shock
- C It is the most common peripheral artery aneurysm and threatens the limb mainly through thrombosis and distal embolisation ✓
- D It occurs almost exclusively in women with connective tissue disorders
Correct answer: C. It is the most common peripheral artery aneurysm and threatens the limb mainly through thrombosis and distal embolisation
Explanation
The popliteal artery is the most frequently affected peripheral artery in aneurysmal disease, typically in older men with atherosclerosis, and about half are bilateral with coexisting abdominal aortic aneurysm. Rupture is rare; the dominant complications are mural thrombosis with acute limb ischaemia and repeated distal microembolisation that can destroy the runoff vessels, which is why even moderate-sized aneurysms are repaired electively.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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