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Baker’s Cyst as an Atypical Presentation of Lyme Disease in Children

A case report published in JBJS Case Connector describes the atypical presentation of Lyme disease in 3 pediatric patients. All patients presented with “acute calf or knee pain, calf swelling, and a ruptured popliteal cyst.” A popliteal cyst, also known as Baker’s cyst, is described by the Mayo Clinic as “a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee.” The pain caused by the cyst may worsen with full flexing or extending of the knee, as well as increased activity.”

Though Lyme disease was confirmed through serology in each pediatric case, treatment was delayed due to the atypical presentation of Lyme disease.  Antibiotic therapy resulted in a positive response in all 3 patients once initiated. 

Access to the full text JBJS Case Connector report can be found here

Read more LDA articles on Lyme disease symptoms in children here