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Insights into Imaging

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Open Access 01-06-2013 | Pictorial Review

MRI characteristics of cysts and “cyst-like” lesions in and around the knee: what the radiologist needs to know

Authors: Evangelos Perdikakis, Vasilios Skiadas

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Objectives and Methods

A variety of benign cystic or “cyst-like” lesions may be encountered during a routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. These lesions comprise a diverse group of entities from benign cysts to complications of underlying diseases. In addition, normal anatomic bursae and recesses may be misdiagnosed as an intra-articular cystic lesion when they are distended. However, the majority of the aforementioned lesions have characteristic MR appearances that allow a confident diagnosis, thus obviating the need for additional imaging or interventional procedures.

Results

This article includes a comprehensive pictorial essay of the characteristic MRI features of common and uncommon benign cysts and “cyst-like” lesions in and around the knee joint.

Discussion

For accurate assessment of the “cystic structure”, a radiologist should be able to identify typical MRI patterns that contribute in establishing the correct diagnosis and thus guiding specific therapy and avoiding unwarranted interventional procedures such as biopsy or arthroscopy.

Teaching points

• Cystic lesions are common in knee MRI and the commonest, the Baker’s cyst, has an incidence of 38 %.

• Synovial cysts, meniscal cysts, normal knee bursae and recesses have characteristic MR appearances.

• Miscellaneous “cyst-like” lesions may require a more dedicated MR protocol for a correct diagnosis.

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Title: MRI characteristics of cysts and “cyst-like” lesions in and around the knee: what the radiologist needs to know
Authors: Evangelos Perdikakis
Vasilios Skiadas
Publication date: 01-06-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 3/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-013-0240-1

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

MRI characteristics of cysts and “cyst-like” lesions in and around the knee: what the radiologist needs to know

Abstract

Objectives and Methods

Results

Discussion

Teaching points

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives and Methods

Results

Discussion

Teaching points

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