Popliteal artery aneurysm simulating soft tissue sarcoma

A vascular surgery consult was obtained, and the patient was taken to the operating room for resection of a presumed soft tissue sarcoma by orthopedic surgery with vascular surgery assistance available. [...]typical presentation of a popliteal artery aneurysm is an easily palpable popliteal pulse, but if the aneurysm becomes occluded, there may be an absence of pul- sation, as was the case with our patient.3 Routine preoperative evaluation of both popliteal sarcoma and aneurysm may include CT, MRI, ultra- sound, or angiography.3, 4 If there is any doubt about the nature of the lesion, duplex ultrasonography should accurately identify an aneurysm unless the aneurysm has become thrombosed.3 Yet, even after a meticulous workup, some patients with popliteal masses remain a diagnostic dilemma.