Adventitial Cystic Disease

Expert care for a rare vascular disease

Adventitial cystic disease is a rare type of peripheral vascular disease in which a fluid-filled sac called a cyst forms next to the artery and blocks blood flow.

This cyst usually forms next to the the popliteal artery, which is located behind the knee in the back of the leg and brings blood to the knee, calf muscles and foot. In very rare cases, adventitial cystic disease can affect arteries in the:

• Forearm
• Pelvis
• Thigh

People who have adventitial cystic disease don’t get enough blood flow to the affected limb. This is called ischemia.
Although adventitial cystic disease is a rare condition, our Vascular and Endovascular Program is well-equipped to treat it. Our doctors are recognized leaders in the treatment of the most complex vascular disorders.

What are the symptoms of adventitial cystic disease?

The most common symptoms of adventitial cystic disease are leg pain or cramping during exercise especially in the calves. This is called intermittent claudication. The pain is caused by the cyst blocking blood flow to the leg. A heavy feeling in the leg and pain behind the knee also are possible symptoms.

These symptoms are similar to those of a condition called popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Your doctor likely will test you for both conditions.

We don’t know what causes adventitial cystic disease. However, we do know that the vast majority of people with adventitial cystic disease are young to middle-aged men.

Tests

Diagnosing adventitial cystic disease starts with a physical exam of the foot and knee. The doctor will measure the pulse in your foot and behind the knee during rest and exercise. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Treatments

In some cases, we can aspirate, or drain, the cyst without surgery, but this may allow the cyst to come back over time.