Sonographic and MRI appearance of tensor fasciae suralis muscle, an uncommon cause of popliteal swelling.
A 20-year-old white man presented with a localized unilateral swelling in the popliteal fossa. Ultrasound (US) showed the presence of an accessory muscle, the tensor fasciae suralis. The muscle was located in the proximal portion of the popliteal fossa, superficial to the medial head of the gastrocnemius. Its long tendon extended inferiorly to join the Achilles tendon. Magnetic resonance images correlated well with the US findings, confirming the diagnosis. Tensor fasciae suralis muscle is a rare cause of popliteal swelling and must be differentiated from other masses. Both US and magnetic resonance imaging can diagnose it but we suggest US as the first-line technique in its evaluation.
Département de Radiologie, Division de Radiodiagnostic et Radiologie Interventionelle, Hôpital cantonal Universitaire de Genève, Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Xavier
X
Montet
Alain
A
Sandoz
Denis
D
Mauget
Carlo
C
Martinoli
Stefano
S
Bianchi
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography