[Ultrasound diagnosis of iliopectineal bursitis--contribution to differential diagnosis of leg swelling].

PURPOSE

To describe the pathognomic sonographic morphology of iliopectineal bursitis as a contribution to the differential diagnosis of leg swelling.

METHODS

Characterization of the enlarged iliopectineal bursa by sonography (including CCDS) (n = 6) and comparison with CT (n = 4) and MRI findings (n = 1).

RESULTS

There were 6 enlarged iliopectineal bursas in 5 female patients which exhibited an elongated oval form and were typically located in the groin region lateral and dorsal of the vessels and in the pelvis lateral to the iliac vessels. On sonography, cystic structures with echo-free contents (n = 1) in arthrosis, homogeneous echoic contents (n = 3) in abrasive reactions after hip TEP, and with inhomogeneous, pseudo-tumorous contents (n = 2) in PCP.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonography enables the reliable diagnosis of an iliopectineal bursitis by means of its elongated oval from and extension from the groin region in continuity to the pelvis with medial displacement of the femoral and iliac vessels. It can thus help to avoid unnecessary operations or biopsies. In cases of doubt, use of CT or MRT enables a certain anatomical assignment.