Popliteal Vein Thrombosis, Bakers Cyst, and Deep vein thrombosis are specific conditions that affect the legs, particularly in the knees and thigh region. Each one of them has particular characteristics and features. However, some features are strikingly similar, making it difficult to differentiate among them. It is vital to know their features to form a definite diagnosis and treat the patient accordingly.

Standard Features of Popliteal Vein Thrombosis, Bakers Cyst, and Deep Vein Thrombosis:

Some of the features which are expected to all these conditions are:

• Pain in the affected leg
• Difficulty in walking
• Difficulty in standing up
• Swelling in a localized area, typically knee
• Tender swelling
• Change in color of the affected part, mostly redness in the area

As these features appear to be exact in popliteal vein thrombosis, Bakers cyst, and DVT, it is tough to differentiate them visually.

To form an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to know the peculiar features of all these conditions so that an effective treatment plan can be made.

What is a Popliteal Vein Thrombosis?

The popliteal vein is present in the posterior part of the knee and is responsible for returning the deoxygenated blood to the heart. Often, due to certain conditions, there can be a thrombus formation in the area behind the knee. As a result, the blood supply is compromised, and the symptoms appear. Popliteal vein thrombosis is a type of deep vein thrombosis. The difference is that the location of the popliteal vein is defined, i.e., behind the knee. On the other hand, deep vein thrombosis can occur in any site in the legs.

Causes:

Several factors give rise to the condition of popliteal vein thrombosis. Some of the most common reasons that cause this condition are:

• Standing for an extended period increases the risk of popliteal vein thrombosis
• Use of certain drugs
• Cigarette smoking
• Pre-existing cardiovascular disorders
• Any injury to the popliteal vein that can form blood clots and lead to thrombosis
• Genetic predesposition
• Any surgery in the past days

Symptoms:

Some of the significant symptoms associated with popliteal vein thrombosis are:

• Swelling in the back of the knee
• Redness of the swelling
• Tenderness of the swelling
• The area is warm to touch
• Limitation of the daily activities
• Sudden onset
• Vessels may become prominent in the affected site due to the blockage of the vein

These symptoms provide the foundation for a definite diagnosis, and further tests should be done to conclude.

What is a Bakers Cyst?

Bakers cyst is a condition affecting the knee, usually the back of the knee, in which there is a swelling in the popliteal cavity. The swelling is caused due to the accumulation of fluid in the cavity, which proves to be a discomfort for the patient. The fluid, in this case, is the synovial fluid, which helps to prevent friction in the knee joint. Any specific condition can cause this synovial fluid to exit the joint cavity and accumulate in the popliteal cavity to give rise to a Bakers cyst. A bakers cyst is also called a popliteal cyst, as it forms in the popliteal cavity.

Causes:

Several reasons can lead to the development of a Bakers cyst. Some of these causes are mentioned below.

• Injury to the joint cavity
• Age-related degradation of the joint
• Osteoarthritis
• Knee injury
• Meniscal tear
• Gout
• Infections of the joint and associated structures

Symptoms:

Most symptoms of a Bakers cyst are similar to that of a popliteal vein thrombosis. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below.

• Pain in the knee
• Swelling in the knee, which is soft on touch
• Limitation of the joint activity
• Difficulty in walking and standing
• Discomfort or tightness in the knee joint

What is a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that affects the legs, mainly the thigh region. It is widespread in todays population and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. It is characterized by forming a blood clot in the prominent veins of the legs, disrupting the blood supply to the legs and interfering with average circulation. It is of very high importance as the blood clot or thrombus in the veins of the legs can dislodge easily, leading to the blockage of blood supply of many vital organs of the human body, including the lungs, kidneys, heart, and brain, resulting in stroke.

Causes:

There are many causes of deep vein thrombosis, some of which are:

• Injury of the vessel
• Genetic disorders
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Decreased blood supply
• Surgery in the past days
• Increased weight or obesity

Symptoms:

Significant features manifested in the case of deep vein thrombosis are:

• Pain in the affected site
• Engorged vessels
• Change in the color of the leg
• Numbness of the affected leg
• Swelling of the leg
• Hindrance in the daily life activities

How to diagnose Popliteal Vein Thrombosis, Bakers Cyst, or DVT?

Various tests which can aid in confirming the nature of the swelling are mentioned below.

• History:

A detailed history is significant as popliteal vein thrombosis and DVT has a sudden onset while a Bakers cyst progresses slowly.

• Examination:

Bakers cyst is soft to the touch owing to the fluid inside, while the swelling is accompanied by a DVT and PVT hard. Also, Bakers cyst is usually present on the back of the knee while the swelling of the DVT is diffused, and that of PVT is around the knee.

• Doppler ultrasound:

Doppler ultrasound provides a visual image of the structures and is a gold standard test.

• CT-Scan:

A CT scan can give a more detailed structural analysis of the swelling.

• D-dimer test:

D-dimer levels are raised in the case of PVT and DVT, while they are expected in the case of Bakers cyst.

• MRI:

If more complicated involvement is expected, an MRI can be done to give a more precise visual.

Using these diagnostic aids, it is straightforward to differentiate among popliteal vein thrombosis, Bakers cyst, and DVT.

What are the various treatment options that can be opted for?

The various treatment options for popliteal vein thrombosis and DVT are:

Lifestyle modifications

Medications:

Medicines can be given like:

• Anticoagulants
• Pain-killers
• Thrombolytics

Surgery:

Thrombectomy can be done if medicines are not effective.

The treatment options for Bakers cyst are:

Lifestyle modifications:

Doing adequate rest and preventing exertion helps to relieve the pain.

Medications:

NSAIDs and corticosteroids can be given to manage the pain.

Needle aspiration:

The accumulated fluid can be removed by using a needle.

Surgery:

Surgery can be done to treat the underlying causes like a tear or ruptured disc.

Final Note:

Considering the characteristics mentioned above and using adequate diagnostic aids, popliteal vein thrombosis, Bakers cyst, and DVT can easily be differentiated and treated accordingly.