Acupuncture gone awry: surgical management of a popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm with concurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract

Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysms are rare, especially from acupuncture-related trauma. We report a 67-year-old male with hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), who developed a popliteal pseudoaneurysm after acupuncture. Imaging confirmed the pseudoaneurysm and a 55 mm AAA. Urgent surgical repair with a Gore-Tex graft led to a smooth recovery. This case emphasizes the vascular risks of acupuncture and the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and personalized follow-up in patients with complex comorbidities.