An Intact Dissecting Baker's Cyst Mimicking Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

We report a case of a 75-year-old female with a history of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 6 years ago who presented with unilateral calf swelling and pain. D-dimer was normal, and compression ultrasound revealed findings typical of DVT, including an incompressible dilated and hypoechoic peroneal vein. Despite 4 months of anticoagulation for supposed recurrent DVT, pain symptoms persisted and repeat D-dimer and compression ultrasound were unchanged. A magnetic resonance imaging scan to investigate the leg demonstrated a 6-cm dissecting Baker's cyst extending posterolaterally resulting in venous compression and distal dilation, which appeared to have been confused with a DVT. Ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cyst provided immediate and sustained relief. Herein we provide a review of the literature for the management of this rare scenario.