Case Study: A Supratellar Scan

Can you solve the case? Use your POCUS expertise to make the diagnosis in the case study below.

The following views were obtained in the suprapatellar region in the mid-longitudinal and transverse planes. There was no history of trauma or fever. The patient complained of swelling around the knee for the past 7 months.

 

What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Hematoma
B. Abscess
C. Effusion

 

 

The most likely diagnosis is effusion.

Explanation

The mid longitudinal and transverse views shows a large anechoic collection in the suprapatellar recess region.

 

Figure – Mid longitudinal view (left) and suprapatellar transverse view (right) with a large anechoic (black) fluid collection.

 

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Figure – Right knee. Observe the location of the patella, quadriceps tendon and femur.

 

References

  1. doi.org/10.1177/8756479320944

 


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