Compression of the iliac vein by a synovial cyst

Miki Sugiura1, Takashi Komiyama, Daisuke Akagi

  • 1Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Annals of Vascular Surgery
|September 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A hip synovial cyst can cause leg swelling, mimicking deep vein thrombosis. This case highlights CT scans for diagnosis and is the first English review of hip synovial cysts compressing leg veins.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Synovial cysts of the hip are uncommon causes of lower limb swelling.
  • Differential diagnosis often includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Observation:

  • A case of lower limb swelling was attributed to external iliac vein compression by a hip synovial cyst.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scans, particularly sagittal and 3D views, were instrumental in diagnosis.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first English literature review detailing venous compression by a hip synovial cyst.
  • Synovial cysts can present as a rare but significant cause of venous obstruction.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering synovial cysts in the differential diagnosis of leg swelling, especially when DVT is suspected.
  • Emphasizes the utility of advanced imaging techniques like CT angiography in diagnosing rare vascular compressions.
  • Contributes to the medical literature by providing a comprehensive review of this specific clinical presentation.

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