title: Popliteal cysts: presentation as thrombophlebitis.
abstract: Synovial-lined cysts in the popliteal space associated with rheumatoid arthritis or meniscal tears may compress the popliteal vein and produce signs and symptoms suggestive of thrombophlebitis. Because of a presumptive diagnosis of thrombophlebitis, venography may be performed initially and demonstrate compression of the popliteal vein by an extrinsic mass. The correct diagnosis of a popliteal cyst can easily be made with B-mode ultrasonography, and, if desired, confirmed by arthrography. Four cases are presented which emphasize these features.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography