Background: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is rare and may be underdiagnosed. Improved specialized, non-invasive imaging techniques are producing detailed topographical evidence of the anomaly.
Methods: A historical review of the literature and Medline search was performed with reference to the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. In addition, embryologically based theories for the condition have been postulated.
Results and conclusion: PAES may be the result of abnormal development of the popliteal artery or a consequence of excessive cranial migration of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging appears to be the most useful single investigation to demonstrate the anomaly. Popliteal artery release alone or with vein bypass is the treatment of choice when intervention is indicated.