Adventitial cystic disease is a rare disease that occurs when a cyst filled with a mucus-like substance forms in one of the arteries, most commonly in the popliteal artery, which supplies blood to the knee joint and thigh and calf muscles. The cyst can narrow or block the affected artery.

Vascular cysts are divided into lymphangiomatous (the most common type), angiomatous and hamartomatous cysts.

Adventitial cystic disease is a rare condition in which a cyst forms in an artery and narrows or blocks blood flow. The condition usually affects the popliteal artery, which supplies blood to the knee joint and calf muscles and foot.

Claudication is pain in the legs or arms that comes on with walking or using the arms. This is caused by too little blood flow to your legs or arms. Claudication is usually a symptom of peripheral artery disease, in which the arteries that supply blood to your limbs are narrowed, usually because of atherosclerosis.

These are cysts that harbor cancer or have the potential to become cancer. They are characterized by cells that secrete mucinous material into the cyst. These cysts can be classified into two categories: mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Cyst removal is major surgery. Hence, it is important to make sure you take enough rest and give your body time for recuperation. Time taken to recover from the surgery is different for everyone. It takes around 12 weeks for the body to complete the healing process.

Most functional cysts are 2 to 5 centimeters (cm) (about 3/4 of an inch to 2 inches) in size. Ovulation happens when these cysts are around 2 to 3 cm in size. However, some may reach sizes of 8 to 12 cm (around 3 to 5 inches).

Claudication is muscular pain, cramping, or fatigue that typically occurs during exercise and goes away with rest. Claudication is primarily a symptom of conditions that reduce blood flow in the legs, especially peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Claudication usually occurs in people aged over fifty years; however it can occur much earlier in people who smoke and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure or high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Unfortunately, the blockage which causes the claudication will not clear itself, but the situation can improve.

Some cysts are cancerous and early treatment is vital. If left untreated, benign cysts can cause serious complications including: Infection – the cyst fills with bacteria and pus, and becomes an abscess. If the abscess bursts inside the body, there is a risk of blood poisoning (septicaemia).

For example, cysts or tumors may be detected in the liver, kidneys, or pancreas during an MRI scan of the abdomen. Cysts can often be diagnosed by their appearance in an imaging scan, but further tests may be recommended.

A vascular surgeon removes the cyst and reconstructs the section of the blood vessel, if necessary. If you have surgery, it is unlikely that the cyst will return. Aspiration of the cyst has been used in rare cases but the risk is of recurrence is higher if the cyst is aspirated.

1. Introduction Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare nonatherosclerotic condition in which fluid accumulates subadventitially and compresses the lumen of the arteries and veins. In 80–90% of cases, CAD is located in the popliteal artery, where it may cause intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia [ 1

The condition usually affects the popliteal artery, which supplies blood to the knee joint and calf muscles and foot. In rare cases, the condition can cause cysts to form in other arteries. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.