Abstract
Ruptured Baker’s cyst is sometimes called “pseudothrombophlebitis” because it is physically indistinguishable from acute deep vein thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of ruptured Baker’s cysts. The hospital records of 424 patients who were referred to our department with swollen legs during last 5 years were reviewed retrospectively. Deep vein thrombosis was found in 163 cases (38.1%), lymphedema in 26 cases (6.1%), and ruptured Baker’s cysts in 5 cases (1.2%: 2 men, 3 women; mean age 66.4 years). In the cases of ruptured Baker’s cysts, there were preceding knee pain in 2 cases, the history of osteoarthritis in 3 cases, leg edema in 2 cases, calf muscle tenderness in 2 cases, and subcutaneous bleeding of the foot in one case. Ultrasonography in all these cases revealed an easily detectable echo-free space behind the calf muscles. All of the cases were treated conservatively by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without anticoagulation. In conclusion, Ruptured Baker’s cyst may mimic the presentation of acute deep vein thrombosis and is reliably diagnosed by ultrasonography.
