Detecting Baker's cyst: venous duplex scanning in ambulatory setting.

Popliteal cyst, also called Baker's cyst, is a popliteal fossa enlargement filled with synovial fluid. Baker's cysts can be symptomatic and cause considerable pathologies such as thrombophlebitis, compartment syndrome and even nerve entrapment. It is the most common nonvascular pathology seen in the popliteal fossa but clinically indistinguishable from deep vein thrombosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate venous duplex scanning in detecting and distinguishing complicated Baker's cyst and deep vein thrombosis in outpatient setting. Medical records of all patients undergoing venous duplex scanning during 2008 and 2009 to rule out deep vein thrombosis were reviewed. Ten patients having undergone ultrasonography examination were found to have complicated Baker's cyst. Baker's cysts are a rather common condition. When presenting with swollen and painful calf, it is impossible to differentiate it from deep vein thrombosis by simple clinical examination. Venous duplex scanning of lower extremity was found to be a useful imaging modality for detection of Baker's cysts, deep vein thrombosis and associated pathology.