Sunday, March 12, 2023

Can ganglion cyst form at the elbow?


This patient had a cystic lesion of 2.5 cms at lateral aspect of elbow. 
The most likely diagnosis: ganglion cyst elbow.

A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous lump or mass that usually forms near a joint or tendon in the body. It is filled with fluid and can vary in size, from a pea-sized bump to a larger, more noticeable mass.

When a ganglion cyst is located on the lateral aspect of the elbow, it is often referred to as a radial or lateral epicondylar cyst. This type of cyst typically forms near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone in the elbow joint
Important points about ganglion cyst elbow:
  1. Ultrasound is an effective imaging modality for detecting ganglion cysts in the elbow joint.
  2. Ganglion cysts appear as hypoechoic, fluid-filled sacs that are often adjacent to the joint capsule or tendon sheath.
  3. The cysts are typically oval or round in shape and have well-defined borders.
  4. Ganglion cysts in the elbow are most commonly found in the posterior aspect of the joint, near the olecranon process.
  5. Differential diagnoses for elbow joint cysts include synovial cysts, bursitis, and rheumatoid nodules.
  6. Synovial cysts appear as anechoic or hypoechoic fluid-filled sacs within the joint capsule.
  7. Bursitis typically presents as a hypoechoic or anechoic swelling within the bursa, often with increased vascularity.
  8. Rheumatoid nodules are solid masses with variable echogenicity and irregular borders, often associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
  9. Clinical correlation and further imaging studies may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of ganglion cyst and rule out other potential causes of elbow joint cysts. 
  10. Aspiration findings: Aspiration of the cyst with a needle may be performed to remove fluid from the cyst and alleviate symptoms. The aspirated fluid may be clear or slightly cloudy, and may contain debris or synovial cells.
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