ACL mucoid degeneration - celery stalk sign

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Restricted movements of the left knee.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Sagittal
PD fat sat
This study is a stack
Coronal PD
fat sat
This study is a stack
PD fat
sat
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Info

The ACL is thickened, ill-defined of high signal. The longitudinal fibers are intact, separated from each other by higher signal mucinous material well-visualized on T2 and PD fat sat sequences, giving a "celery stalk" appearance.

Mild joint effusion. A small popliteal cyst is noted.

No associated meniscal tear or ligamentous injuries is seen.

Case Discussion

MRI features are most consistent with a mucoid degeneration of the ACL with a "celery stalk sign".

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