Two Cases of Popliteal Cystic Adventitial Disease Treated With Excision and Primary Bypass Graft: A Review of the Literature

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare vascular pathology which predominantly affects peripheral vessels of young otherwise healthy males. Much debate exists regarding its exact etiology. It is characterized by a collection of mucinous material within the adventitial wall layer of the affected vessel, resulting in arterial stenosis and rapidly progressive calf claudication. Treatment is primarily surgical, although radiological interventions have been reported. Its rarity makes evidence-based surgical or radiological management difficult. With this in mind, we report two cases of popliteal artery CAD treated successfully with primary excision and bypass grafting. We analyzed all literature published on CAD since first reported in 1947 and we propose an algorithm for appropriate management pathways.