[A swelling in the distal part of the thigh]

A swelling in the distal thigh may be caused by a tumour of bone or soft tissues, an aneurysm or an inflammation. Signs of inflammation may render interpretation more difficult. Four males aged 60, 48, 15 and 81 years had had a swelling in the popliteal space or above the knee, in some cases with pain. Supplementary examinations, especially MRI scanning and arteriography did not always result in a diagnosis. The diagnosis could be made, however, during operation: an empyemic thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm, a liposarcoma, pyomyositis and suture dehiscence of a plastic prosthesis of the popliteal artery. After treatment, consisting of or started during the operation, uneventful recovery occurred.