Learning objectives
To learn the differential diagnosis of cystic knee lesions,
with their terminology and location.
To review of the MRI imaging features and associations.
To sample cases with the location of each cyst.
Background
A variety of cystic lesions may be encountered during a routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee.
Many of these lesions are benign and can be managed conservatively,
however,
they must be identified correctly given that inflammatory and tumor may also present as cystic lesions.
These lesions comprise a diverse group of entities from benign simple cysts to complications of an underlying diseases,
or even being of neoplastic origin.
Also,
normal anatomic bursae may be misdiagnosed as an intra-articular cystic lesion when distended.
Findings and procedure details
Cystic knee structures are one of the most common imaging findings encountered during imaging of the knee [1].
They can be divided into true cysts (synovial cysts,
bursae,
ganglia,
and meniscal cysts) and lesions that mimic cysts (hematomas,
seromas,
abscesses,
vascular lesions,
and neoplasms).The knowledge of the specific imaging criteria leads to a proper diagnosis.
Some criteria can raise the concern for a malignancy as visualizing internal solid contrast enhancement or abnormal location and this will need further evaluation and intervention [3].
Synovial Recesses:
Normal...
Conclusion
Cystic lesions are a common finding seen inside and around the knee joint.
MRI is the primary method to differentiate and characterize them.
Radiologists should be aware of its differential diagnosis as they will face it in their daily practice.
References
1.Chhabra,
Avneesh,
Christopher A Cerniglia,
and M Eng.
2013.
“Bursae,
Cysts and Cyst-like Lesions About the Knee.” J Am Osteopath Coll Radiol 2 (4).
2.Perdikakis,
Evangelos,
and Vasilios Skiadas.
2013.
“MRI Characteristics of Cysts and ‘Cyst-like’ Lesions in and around the Knee: What the Radiologist Needs to Know.” Insights into Imaging 4 (3): 257–72.
3.Telischak N.A.
,
Wu J.S.,
and Eisenberg R.L.
2014.
“Cysts and Cystic-Appearing Lesions of the Knee: A Pictorial Essay.” Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging.
4.Campbell,
Scot E.,
Timothy G.
Sanders,...