A Case of Lower Extremity Swelling Due to Iliac Vein Stenosis Caused by Hip Joint Ganglion

Abstract

Lower limb swelling is commonly observed in clinical practice. Here, we experienced a rare case in which lower limb swelling was due to external iliac vein compression caused by a ganglion cyst arising from the hip joint. A 64-year-old man visited a nearby clinic with chief complaints of swelling and pain of the left lower limb. Ultrasonography revealed severe iliac vein stenosis, and thus, the patient was referred to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a cystic mass approximately 2.5 cm in diameter in the left retroperitoneal space, compressing the left external iliac vein from the outside. The symptoms improved after ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of the mass, but similar findings were observed 6 days later. Thus, surgical indication was determined. The patient underwent surgery, and pathological diagnosis was a ganglion cyst. As fine-needle aspiration of a ganglion cyst is associated with a high recurrence, surgical incision is recommended. However, even when patients present with similar symptoms associated with lower limb swelling, disorders arising from different causes have been reported. Therefore, special attention is required at the time of surgery.