Lymphatic malformations are the second most common malformations after venous malformations [1]. Lymphatic malformations are commonly known as cystic hygromas or lymphangiomas. These slow-flow lesions occur most often in the paediatric population and seldom in the extremities [2]. Common cystic lesions in and around the popliteal fossa are meniscal cyst, synovial cyst (Baker’s cyst) and ganglionic cyst. Lymphangioma at popliteal fossa has been rarely reported [3]. The most common types of vascular malformations are venous, lymphatic and venolymphatic with an overall prevalence of up to 1% in the general population [4]. Lymphangioma may involve almost every organ system, soft-tissue lymphatic malformations most commonly occurring in cervicofacial (up to 75% of cases), axillary (up to 25%), or mediastinal (3–10%) areas [2]. Approximately 95% of lymphangiomas are found in the neck and axilla, and the other 5% occur in the mediastinum and abdominal cavity, including the mesentery, retroperitoneum and bones [5]. The aetiology of lymphangiomas is still unclear. They are considered to be congenital dysplasia of lymphatic tissue and abnormal development of the lymphatic vessels during foetal life [6, 7].
The occurrence of lymphangiomas in the upper and lower limbs has been published in a few case reports [8]. Males and females are equally affected. Generally, the presentation of the lymphangiomas may be with symptoms related to the local effect or painless swelling. A clinical examination may reveal soft non-tender masses on palpation with a doughy consistency.
On ultrasound, lymphangioma appears as a multilocular anechoic cystic mass with internal septa of varying thickness located in the intermuscular plane. The appearance of the cyst is variable depending on the presence or absence of secondary infection. Wide variations exist such as cystic mass with solid areas or mostly solid with cystic foci.
Most of the lymphangiomas appear homogenous on CT scan, but some appear inhomogeneous due to the presence of the proteinaceous, fluid, blood or fat components. Minimal displacement or compression of the adjacent structures might be seen.
On MR imaging, lymphatic malformations appear as multiseptated cystic masses that can infiltrate surrounding tissues, sometimes causing hypertrophy of the affected body part. The cysts are typically hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images [2]. More heterogeneous signal intensity may be seen within cysts with proteinaceous or haemorrhagic content. The cysts do not characteristically enhance, although the septa, which are vascularised, show contrast material uptake. There may also be enhancement of the venous component in mixed malformations. In the microcystic form, the cysts may not be visible as distinct elements, and the lesion may appear slightly hyperintense after gadolinium administration due to septal enhancement [2].
The two main strategies used to treat lymphatic anomalies are sclerotherapy and surgical resection. Sclerotherapy works through the obliteration of the lymphatic lumen [9]. Sclerotherapy agents like bleomycin, doxycycline and OK 432 have been used particularly in large lesions and those located in inaccessible areas [8]. Ozeki et al. have advocated the use of propranolol (a beta-blocker) as an adjunct in treating intractable lymphatic malformations [10].
A cystic mass arising in the popliteal fossa can be either a meniscal cyst, a synovial cyst (Baker’s cyst) or a ganglionic cyst.
Synovial cysts result from the extrusion of joint fluid into the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus bursa through a weak portion of the posteromedial capsule of the knee between the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and the semimembranosus tendon [2]. Visualising a communicating fluid collection arising between the tendons of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and semimembranosus is the key to making a diagnosis.
Ganglionic cysts are soft tissue masses caused by the myxoid degeneration of the connective tissue at the joint capsules and tendon sheaths [11]. The ganglia demonstrate low-signal intensity on T1W images and high-signal intensity on T2W images and may show rim enhancement.
Meniscal cysts are believed to form as a result of tears in the meniscal fibrocartilage, with the extrusion of synovial fluid through the meniscal tear. Meniscal cysts have low signal intensity on T1W images and increased signal intensity on fluid sensitive sequences and may show peripheral contrast enhancement [12].
Lymphangiomas are uncommon vascular malformations with the posterior triangle of the neck being the most common site. Meniscal cyst, synovial cyst (Baker’s cyst) and ganglionic cyst are common differentials for cystic lesions in the popliteal fossa. Lymphangioma should be suspected if the lesion appears multiseptated with no synovial continuity or internal derangement of the knee.