Pediatric Lyme Disease Presenting as a Ruptured Popliteal Cyst
A Report of 3 Cases
Sager, Alora F. MS1; Carolan, Patrick L. MD2; Georgiadis, Andrew G. MD3,4,a; Laine, Jennifer C. MD3,4 Author Information
JBJS Case Connector: January-March 2022 – Volume 12 – Issue 1 – e21.00813
Abstract
Cases:
This case report describes 3 pediatric patients presenting with acute calf or knee pain, calf swelling, and a ruptured popliteal cyst diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Lyme disease was serologically confirmed in each case. In all instances, treatment was delayed because of atypical presentation. All patients responded favorably after antibiotic therapy.
Conclusion:
The differential diagnosis of Lyme disease should be considered in the context of children presenting with atraumatic unilateral calf pain and a ruptured popliteal cyst. Otherwise, this unusual presentation could delay diagnosis or result in unnecessary surgical intervention, particularly in pediatric patients.
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**Comment**
Again, I’m not sure just how “unusual” this presentation is. Remember that “rarely reported” is quite different that rarely occurs. I’ve had a Baker’s Cyst for a year and it’s not fun.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16755252/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17065933/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971212000161
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-04-27-9604270009-story.html
- https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=736045c4-8e2c-4062-b67a-d51044a5ab17&subId=407660
- https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/lyme-arthritis-presentation-diagnosis-treatment/2/
- https://www.consultant360.com/articles/11-year-old-boy-s-ruptured-popliteal-cyst-what-s-cause
I have found the following to help tremendously:
- https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2022/05/04/why-do-some-people-develop-severe-lyme-arthritis-others-dont/ See comment section. For me, getting rid of gluten was huge, as is drinking plenty of water, taking MSM, systemic enzymes, LDN, niacinamide & vitamin C daily. All of these are anti-inflammatories. While I do not have Lyme/MSIDS symptoms, I believe this Baker’s Cyst is damage done by the infections. I also believe you can have an active infection cause a Baker’s Cyst directly. While anti-inflammatories will help both, it’s imperative you treat the underlying infections as well if you are symptomatic.
This current research also shows CoQ10 to be a relevant antioxidant for preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in Lyme.
Madison Area Lyme Support Group 