Vascular Surgeon Questions Vascular Surgeon

Popliteal aneurysm?

I had the 2nd dose of the Pfizer Covid vaccine and then the next day I felt severe pain in my leg. It lasted for 2 days. It then subsided and became a dull but constant pain. I had a duplex ultrasound and a CTA with contrast. It revealed a Popliteal aneurysm which measures approximately 1.8 cm and extends for the length of 2.1 cm I went to see two vascular surgeons. One told me to take daily aspirin and follow up with an ultrasound every three months. The other one suggested surgery. Please tell me what you would advise. Have you heard of other patients getting this adverse reaction to the vaccine? I have a very important event in the UK (a 7-hour flight) Do you think it is safe for me to fly?

Female | 70 years old
Complaint duration: A little over 2 months
Medications: Levothyroxin, Rosuvastatin, Symbicort, Lumigan, Timolol, Amlodipine, Losartan, Letrozole
Conditions: High blood pressure, High cholestrol, Hypothyroid, COPD, Glaucoma, Breast cancer, Kidney cancer

2 Answers

Popliteal artery aneurysms are dangerous. Most should be fixed expeditiously, especially if there is a clot inside them (which can be seen on imaging). Ultrasound or CT scan. It should be fixed. Can you wait 6-8 weeks? Sure. 6 months? I would not advise that. Ignoring it and taking asa is bad advice.
The Covid vaccine has no connection to the aneurysm. It can be treated without surgery, via a puncture. Flights over 4 hours are a risk for clot in the aneurysm.