Pseudothrombophlebitis syndrome: Sonographically guided treatment of a partially ruptured Baker’s cyst

Abstract

Popliteal or otherwise called Baker’s cyst represents a fluid distension of the gastrocnemiosemimembranosus bursa and is usually incidentally found on imaging studies. However, the clinical manifestation of symptomatic Baker’s cyst is similar to thrombophlebitis hence the term pseudothrombophlebitis syndrome. We add to the literature a case of a partially ruptured popliteal cyst in which locally injected ropivacaine (ropivacaine hydrochloride) and steroid (betamethasone acetate-betamethasone sodium phosphate) injection relieved the symptoms completely. We describe the clinical and imaging features and the treatment applied.