Subfascial ectasia of the saphenopopliteal junction

Subfascial ectasia of the saphenopopliteal junction

Anevrysmal dilatation can occur in the short saphenous vein at the saphenopopliteal junction (Figure 103).This dilatation can make a ligation flush with the popliteal vein particularly difficult.

In this case, recurrence is related to an anatomical factor accentuating the hemodynamic factor. Varicose veins will then develop not on a perforating vein of the popliteal fossa independent of the short saphenous vein, but on the stump of the ectatic saphenopopliteal junction. For example, figure 104 illustrates an early recurrence, occurring 5 months after saphenopopliteal junction ligation and short saphenous vein stripping.

Figure 103. Subfascial ectasia of the saphenopopliteal junction.
Figure 103. Subfascial ectasia of the saphenopopliteal junction.
Figure 104. Recurrence on an ectatic saphenopopliteal junction (A: clinical appearance; B: ultrasound appearance).
Figure 104. Recurrence on an ectatic saphenopopliteal junction (A: clinical appearance; B: ultrasound appearance).

Further reading

Blanchemaison Ph. La physiopathologie veineuse. Phlébologie, 1995; 48: 87-8.

Davy A., Ouvry P. Recurrence of varicose veins. Phlebology, 1986; 1: 15-21.

Hobbs J. The treatment of venous disorders. MTP, Lancaster, 1977: 159-201.

Perrin M. L’insuffisance veineuse chronique des membres inférieurs. MEDSI, Paris, 1990.