Inflammatory popliteal aneurysm associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

R. Berchiolli, L. Torri, D. Adami, G. Bertagna, F. Canovaro, N. Troisi

Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. troisimd@gmail.com

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• Infectious Diseases

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection involves the phase of viral replication and inflammatory response predicting the severity of COVID-19. Vascular involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection has been well established. Thrombotic complications are common, while only few cases of dilatative diseases have been reported.

CASE REPORT: We herein report the case of a 65-year-old male patient with an inflammatory 25-mm saccular popliteal artery aneurysm detected six months after symptomatic COVID-19 (pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism). The popliteal aneurysm was surgically managed with aneurysmectomy, and reversed bifurcated vein graft. Histological examination detected the infiltration of monocytes and lymphoid cells into the arterial wall.

CONCLUSIONS: Popliteal aneurysm could be related to inflammatory response related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aneurysmal disease should be considered mycotic and surgically managed without prosthetic grafts.

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