Concurrent Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

• DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14161825
• Publication Date: 2024-08-22T07:07:38Z
• Authors: Tiffany R. Bellomo; Connie Hsu; Pavan Bolla; Abhisekh Mohapatra; Dana Helice Kotler
• Keywords: Popliteal artery; Entrapment; Magnetic resonance angiography; Presentation (obstetrics)

Exertional leg pain occurs with notable frequency among athletes and poses diagnostic challenges to clinicians due overlapping symptomatology. In this case report, we delineate the clinical presentation of a young collegiate soccer player who endured two years progressive bilateral exertional calf ankle weakness during athletic activity. The initial assessment yielded diagnosis chronic compartment syndrome (CECS), predicated on results testing. However, her was suspicious for concurrent type VI popliteal artery entrapment (PAES), prompting further radiographic testing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). MRA revealed severe arterial spasm plantarflexion bilaterally, corroborating additional PEAS. Given worsening symptoms, patient underwent open release right leg. Although CECS PAES are both known phenomena that observed in athletes, their co-occurrence is uncommon owing different pathophysiological underpinnings. This underscores importance be aware successful one condition does not exclude possibility secondary, unrelated pathology. also highlights dynamic imaging modalities, including point-of-care ultrasound, MRA, angiogram.