A case of popliteal artery stenosis: masquerading as an infective foot ulcer in a young male traveller

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Popliteal artery stenosis or occlusive disease is a common occurrence in elderly patients, diabetics, smokers and those with cardiovascular disease. It leads to significant morbidity and mortality by reducing or completely blocking blood supply through the popliteal artery and into the lower leg. This can result in tissue ischaemia and limb loss.

We describe an unusual presentation of a 24-year-old male with a popliteal artery stenosis masquerading as an infective foot ulcer. We believe this case illustrates the importance of a meticulous history and physical examination when assessing foot ulcers.

CASE REPORT

A 24-year-old male attended the department with a painful ulcer under the third metatarsal head of his left foot. The foot was erythematous, swollen and hot to touch. This ulcer had been present for 2 months prior to presentation following a skin laceration sustained while travelling in Thailand. The patient had received antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement on two occasions while abroad; however, the ulcer had failed to heal. On closer questioning the patient reported that he sustained the injury while walking close to coral reef in the sea in Thailand. There had been no history of freshwater exposure, drug misuse or of any risk-taking behaviour. He had no past medical history.

Initially, the patient was treated with empirical antibiotics on instruction from our microbiology department. Wound swabs grew Proteus sp., Provalencia sp. and Mirabilis. Antibiotic therapy was altered according to these sensitivities, and the erythema and swelling began to settle over the coming weeks. Unfortunately, the ulcer continued to enlarge and a MRI scan of the left foot revealed increased uptake in the third toe and metatarsal head indicating underlying osteomyelitis.

The ulcer was formally explored and debrided in theatre. During surgery, it proved necessary to amputate the third toe and metatarsal head as they could not be salvaged due to infective destruction. On conclusion of the procedure, the tourniquet which had been applied to the lower limb was deflated and it was noted that the left foot was slow to reperfuse. A vascular opinion was sought.

Vascular studies were requested. Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) in the left leg was 0.46 when compared with 0.82 in the right leg, indicating a significant decrease in arterial blood flow to the left foot. A CT femoral angiogram demonstrated a left popliteal short segment occlusion with reforming of the tibio-peroneal trunk with small vessels. On detailed probing, a history of intermittent claudication was revealed with a claudication distance of ∼100 m.

Subsequently, a left superficial femoral artery to popliteal artery bypass was performed by the vascular team using a reverse vein graft. Within 6 weeks, all antibiotic therapy had been stopped and the wound from amputation on the left foot had completely healed.

DISCUSSION

Stenosis of the popliteal artery is a common condition, most often seen in the context of peripheral vascular disease where an atherosclerotic pathogenesis is accountable. However, in a cohort of younger patients, there is a much broader range of pathogenesis accounting for such stenosis. Conditions such as popliteal artery entrapment syndromes (PAES) [1], popliteal artery aneurysm [2], cystic adventitial disease, multiple hereditary exostosis [3], some arteritis disorders (e.g. Takayasu's) and some rare congenital syndromes (e.g. Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenital [4]) must be considered. In each of these conditions, there is an underlying disease process that culminates in a reduction in the cross-sectional area in the popliteal artery and consequently, flow through the vessel is decreased in accordance with Laplace's Law. The timescale of onset and progression of symptoms varies greatly. In congenital stenosis, there is an insidious process that can be unmasked by an acute insult (e.g. trauma and embolism).

The presentation of congenital popliteal artery stenosis is very similar to that in peripheral vascular disease, with intermittent claudication, slow healing wounds and transitory change in skin colour and temperature [5]. A persistent wound or ulcer in a young and otherwise fit individual with no obvious predisposing factors is a red flag and should prompt further investigation. A thorough history with targeted questioning of the above presenting symptoms is important, followed by rigorous physical examination.

Initial bedside assessment of vascular status should be performed with ABPIs and Doppler flow studies [6]. Blood flow may be posturally dependent in approximately a third of PAES cases [6]; however, this is unlikely to be the case with a fixed stenosis of the popliteal artery. Arteriography should be considered if there is sufficient clinical suspicion of vascular compromise. CT is a useful adjunct if external compression of the artery is a possibility [7]; furthermore, MRI is useful in adventitial cystic disease [6].

Management of vascular insufficiency in young patients depends on the underlying pathogenesis. In adventitial cystic disease, symptoms may resolve spontaneously if cysts rupture; however, recurrence is common [6]. In congenital popliteal artery stenosis, vascular bypass is often required as with the 24-year-old gentleman under consideration here.

In conclusion, this case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in young individuals presenting with persistent foot ulcers. In a young person with a persistent non healing ulcer, with unusual bacteriology and normal pulses, always consider a proximal vascular lesion. A prompt diagnosis of an unusual congenital vascular insufficiency can prevent complications and long-term morbidity for the patient.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

None declared.

REFERENCES