Juxtaacetabular ganglion as a differential diagnosis in pulsating groin masses

Ganglion cysts of the hip joint are uncommon synovial-lined fluid-filled ju xtaarticular groin lesions. Whereas in the past the correct diagnosis was o ften made only at surgery there are now valuable imaging methods used for t he diagnostic work-up. In experienced hands ultrasonography (US) combined w ith colour duplex Doppler ultrasonography (CDDS) as a real-rime imaging tec hnique easily performed at the patient's bedside is a valid alternative to more expensive or invasive investigations. We report on a patient who prese nted with a ganglion cyst and in whom first supported by conventional US an aneurysm of the femoral artery was suspected. The diagnosis of a juxtaarti cular ganglion tvas subsequently correctly made at our institution by CDDS and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, and the cyst was exstirpated successfully. The differential diagnosis of a pulsating groin mass as well as the most useful and specific imaging methods in the diagnostic work-up i n this clinical setting are discussed.