The Hemorrhagic Crescent Sign of Acute Synovial Rupture
Authors: GUNNAR KRAAG
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1976)

Letters1 October 1976The Hemorrhagic Crescent Sign of Acute Synovial RuptureGUNNAR KRAAG, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), ERIC MANO THEVATHASAN, M.B.B.S., M.R.A.C.P., DUNCAN A. GORDON, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), F.A.C.P., IRWIN H. WALKER, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.(C), F.R.A.C.P.GUNNAR KRAAG, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), ERIC MANO THEVATHASAN, M.B.B.S., M.R.A.C.P., DUNCAN A. GORDON, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), F.A.C.P., IRWIN H. WALKER, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.(C), F.R.A.C.P.Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-85-4-477 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptPopliteal synovial cysts are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They may rupture and produce clinical features indistinguishable from acute thrombophlebitis (1). As well, Tibbutt and Gunning (2) reported that calf hematomas may mimic thrombophlebitis. They described four patients with calf hematomas with crescentic bruising beneath the malleoli in whom venograms were normal. They concluded that intramuscular hemorrhage should be suspected on the basis of this crescent sign. We report here two patients with synovial rupture in whom the "hemorrhagic crescent sign" enabled us to exclude acute thrombophlebitis and to avoid needless and potentially hazardous anticoagulant therapy (3).Patient 1...References1. GOOD A: Rheumatoid arthritis, Baker's cyst, and "thrombophlebitis." Arthritis Rheum 7:56-64, 1964 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. TIBBUTT D and GUNNING A: Calf hematoma: a new sign in differential diagnosis from deep vein thrombosis. Br Med J 4:204, 1974 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. TAIT G, BACH F, and DIXON A: Acute synovial rupture. Further observations. Ann Rheum Dis 24:273-277, 1965 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. DIXON A and GRANT C: Acute synovial rupture in rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and experimental observations. Lancet 1:742-745, 1964 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. JAYSON M, SWANNELL A, and KIRK J: Acute joint rupture. Ann Phys Med 10:175-179, 1969 MedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: GUNNAR KRAAG, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C); ERIC MANO THEVATHASAN, M.B.B.S., M.R.A.C.P.; DUNCAN A. GORDON, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), F.A.C.P.; IRWIN H. WALKER, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.(C), F.R.A.C.P.Affiliations: Rheumatic Disease Unit McMaster University Medical Centre Hamilton 165, Ontario Canada PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byPopliteal cysts are not a risk factor for lower extremity deep vein thrombosisPopliteal Ecchymosis in Ruptured Baker's CystThe crescent sign of ruptured baker's cystQuestions 31–40Edema and Deep Vein ThrombosisUnilateral calf swellingPopliteal Cysts: A Current ReviewPopliteal Cyst (Baker's Cyst)Clinical Features of Rheumatoid ArthritisArtritis reumatoide (I)Edema and Deep Vein ThrombosisNon-Popliteal Synovial RuptureA pyogenic, ruptured Baker's cyst induced by arthroscopic pressure pump irrigationArticular and Periarticular Manifestations of Established Rheumatoid ArthritisClinical Features of Rheumatoid ArthritisThe Extremities and Peripheral Vascular ExamRheumatoid NoduleEdema and Deep Vein ThrombosisRheumatoid arthritis: A review of the cutaneous manifestationsPosterior Knee Pain and Its CausesA man with swollen calf and discoloration of the footPopliteal cysts in adults: A reviewArtritis reumatoide. formas de comienzo. manifestaciones clínicas músculo-esqueléticas. secuelasCalf Vein Thrombosis: Diagnosis and TreatmentPopliteal cyst rupture and the pseudothrombophlebitis syndromeRheumatoid Arthritis: Some Personal Considerations on Aetiology and Treatment Part 1Ecchymosis of the lower leg 1 October 1976Volume 85, Issue 4Page: 477-478KeywordsAnticoagulant therapyHemorrhageRheumatoid arthritis ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 October 1976 PDF downloadLoading ...