Pseudo compartment syndrome of the calf in an athlete secondary to cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery

Abstract

We report a patient with calf pain induced by sport and exercise, initially thought to represent compartment syndrome, in whom MRI and duplex ultrasound ultimately revealed cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery. Surgical de-roofing of the popliteal artery resulted in complete resolution of symptoms with return to sporting activities.