Compression syndrome of the popliteal vein and artery caused by popliteal cyst.

Popliteal vein compression caused by popliteal cyst was detected in 53-year-old man with venostasis of the lower limb. Deviation of the popliteal artery was also demonstrated by arteriography. The cyst communicating with the knee joint and partly covered by the lining of synovial cells was totally excised without damage to the vein. An analysis revealed hyaluronic acid to be the major component of glycosaminoglycan in the cyst and was 3 or 4 times in excess of that in the synovial fluid. The postoperative course was uneventful and symptoms were almost relieved.