Low prevalence of unexpected popliteal DVT detected on routine MRI assessment of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to document the appearance and determine the prevalence of findings suspicious for popliteal vein thrombosis on magnetic resonance (MR) assessment of the knee joint. METHODS: A total of 2888 MR examinations were retrospectively reviewed and classified as illustrating either normal appearing popliteal vein or findings suspicious for popliteal vein thrombosis. RESULTS: A total of 2879 MR studies were assessed as having a normal appearing popliteal vein. Nine studies illustrated findings suspicious for popliteal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of MR findings is low (0.3%), our findings reiterate the need to interrogate the popliteal vein for evidence of thrombosis.