A case of unilateral lower limb swelling secondary to a ganglion cyst.
BACKGROUND
We present a case of leg swelling of unusual aetiology which serves as a reminder to the surgeon to consider causes of leg swelling other than lymphoedema and venous insufficiency.


METHODS
A 40 year old man developed progressive left leg swelling despite treatment of his varicose veins. Subsequent investigation revealed a lesion compressing the femoral vein. At exploration this was found to be a ganglion cyst. Removal of this resulted in resolution of the swelling.


CONCLUSIONS
Venous compression due to external cystic lesions, although rare, is recognised. This case serves as a reminder that the rarer causes of limb swelling should not be forgotten, especially where potentially treatable.
Bhan
C
C
University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London, UK.
Corfield
L
L
D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D018450:Disease Progression; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000473:pathology; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery