question about being referred on & multiple imaging

Hey, cool rads.

Recently, dragged my 10y+ painful knee/leg to some docs - I'm now confused re: lmaging reports. My complaint is pain in L knee that wakens me from sleep and doesn't lessen with reduced activity, but does get worse with more activity.

My question is do these imaging types compare apples to apples, and do any of these reports describe similar things?

Does an MRI w/o contrast easily image a nerve sheath tumor or vascular anomaly?

1st: Went to large teaching hospital. Had US of superficial veins both legs. Didn't seem to explain problem, but....

2nd: Back home, new PCP sent me to Vein center locally. US of both legs...

Impression: There is a spherical 1.4x1.3x1.4cm vascular anomaly comprised of both arteries and veins with active blood flow located in the medial aspect of the left popliteal fossa and corresponding to an area that swells and is uncomfortable. (true, and only doc to relate finding to actual location/my complaint)

3rd. Vein Doc sent me for CTA of L knee due to his finding of venous anomaly.

CTA: Impression: 1. A 1.4 cm peripheral nerve sheath tumor is present within the popliteal fossa involving the proximal tibial nerve. 2. No evidence of a vascular abnormality within the popliteal region. 3. The arteries of the left lower extremity are patent and unremarkable. 4. Somewhat permeative appearance of the posterior femoral cortex at the attachment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius. This is likely the sequelae of chronic tendinopathy (tug lesion), but follow-up radiographs or CT should be considered in 6 months.

4th: PCP then sent on to Ortho, Ortho ordered MRI wo:

There is a popliteal Baker cyst with inferior septation measuring 5.6 x 1.3 x 2.3 cm. There is also an intramuscular cyst between the heads of the gastrocnemius and overlying the popliteal vessels. This has some mucoid or complex debris within and measures 1.2 x 1.1 cm. Trace joint effusion present. IMPRESSION: Severe chondromalacia patella with complete cartilaginous denuding, central patellar edema and also edema the inferior lateral aspect of patella and adjacent edema of fat to the proximal and lateral aspect patellar tendon. ACL thinning in keeping with strain or prior partial tear. Popliteal Baker cyst. Additional intramuscular cyst overlying popliteal vessels, as above. Degenerative change within posterior horn medial meniscus versus contusion

I follow up w PCP soon, and of course he will provide advice. I'm just boggled that none of these reports seem to be talking about same problem?

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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Radiology/comments/loueex/question_about_being_referred_on_multiple_imaging/