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Ruptured Baker's Cyst in a 15-Year Boy
Amna Jawaid1, Nida Amjad2, Khubaib Arif1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi.
Insights
A ruptured Baker's cyst caused calf pain and swelling in a 15-year-old boy, initially mistaken for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Ultrasound and MRI confirmed the diagnosis, and conservative management led to recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Baker's cysts (popliteal cysts) are common knee joint lesions in adults, rarely seen in children.
- Typically asymptomatic and incidentally discovered, they can present atypically in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with acute calf pain and swelling, mimicking deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Initial suspicion of DVT led to diagnostic imaging for the patient, who had no prior knee issues.
Findings:
- Ultrasound revealed a ruptured Baker's cyst as the cause of symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of a ruptured popliteal cyst.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering ruptured Baker's cysts in pediatric patients presenting with calf pain and swelling.
- Accurate diagnosis through imaging (ultrasound, MRI) is crucial for appropriate management and ruling out DVT.
- Conservative treatment approaches are effective for pediatric cases of ruptured Baker's cysts.
Abstract:
Baker's cysts or popliteal cysts are common cystic lesions surrounding the knee joint. These are prevalent among the adult population but rare in children. These are asymptomatic in majority of cases, and are identified incidentally by the parent or physician. We report a case of 15-year boy who presented to the emergency room with symptoms of calf pain and swelling for two weeks. He was in good health previously, and had no underlying knee pathology. Prior to presenting in emergency department (ED), he was suspected as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and referred for evaluation and management. During his evaluation for DVT, the diagnosis of ruptured Baker's cyst was made on ultrasound. This was further confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of knee joint. He responded to conservative management and was discharged home after reassurance.