M. Langsfeld et al., BAKERS-CYSTS MIMICKING THE SYMPTOMS OF DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS - DIAGNOSIS WITH VENOUS DUPLEX SCANNING, Journal of vascular surgery, 25(4), 1997, pp. 658-662
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and
characteristics of Baker's cysts discovered during venous duplex exami
nations to rule Out deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods: We reviewed t
he vascular laboratory charts of patients found to have Baker's cysts
during venous duplex studies to rule out DVT from October 1988 through
December 1995. Results: Ninety-five (3.1%) of 3072 patients who under
went venous duplex studies were found to have 111 Baker's cysts, Seven
of the 95 had coexistent DVT, Ten patients had ruptured cysts, wherea
s six patients had cysts that compressed the popliteal vein. Conclusio
n: The presentation of DVT and that of a Baker's cyst are similar enou
gh to be difficult to distinguish by clinical examination. Careful exa
mination of the popliteal fossa should be performed during venous dupl
ex examinations regardless of the indication for the study.