A retrospective multicentric study conducted by the vascular group of the AURC (University association of surgical research) included 36 sub-adventitial cysts of the popliteal artery. This is a rare cause of claudication in the young male and usually involves the adventitia of the arterial wall. There is usually only one localization. Echography of the cyst may wrongly suggest partial thrombosis of a popliteal aneurysm. Angiography and CT scan provide the correct diagnosis. The results of surgical treatment were analyzed after a follow-up ranging form 3 months to 20 years (mean 9 years). The reports in the literature confirm that these are rare lesion of a poorly understood origin (congenital or acquired?). Simple complete surgical excision gives excellent results with the exception of initially complicated forms which require resection and grafting.