Objective To report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of acute pulmonary embolism caused by thrombus detachment within a popliteal venous aneurysm and conduct a literature review, aiming to enhance the understanding of the disease. Methods The case data of a patient with pulmonary embolism caused by thrombus detachment within a popliteal venous aneurysm who was admitted to the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. The relevant literature published from July 2014 to July 2023 in the CNKI and PubMed databases was retrieved, and the diagnosis and treatment methods of the disease were summarized. Results The patient in this case was a 61-year-old male, who was admitted was admitted to the hospital due to "intermittent chest tightness and shortness of breath for 5 days". Color Doppler ultrasound examination and pulmonary artery CT angiography (CTA) suggested popliteal venous aneurysm combined with intramural thrombus and pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the pulmonary embolism and popliteal venous aneurysm were treated surgically in stages. The patient recovered well after the operation and there were no symptoms of chest tightness or shortness of breath after discharge. A total of 11 literatures were retrieved, involving 11 patients, all of whom underwent surgical treatment; Among them, 4 patients were treated with inferior vena cava filter placement, and 2 patients underwent popliteal venous aneurysm surgery after filter placement. Through literature review, it can be known that the etiology of popliteal venous aneurysm remains unclear, and there is no unified standard for diagnosis and treatment. Up to now, surgery is still the preferred option for treatment. Conclusions Patients with popliteal venous aneurysms may be asymptomatic but can lead to deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs and subsequent pulmonary embolism. Surgical intervention is an effective treatment option. For patients with combined pulmonary embolism, especially those with recurrent pulmonary embolism, it is recommended to perform surgical treatment following placement of an inferior vena cava filter.