Ganglion cyst in children: Reviewing treatment and recurrence rates

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric hand and wrist ganglia seem to have different epidemiological characteristics than those of adults – a majority are found on the volar aspect of the hands and wrists of patients younger than 10 years of age.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the epidemiology, etiological factors, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of patients with ganglion cysts at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario).

METHODS:

The records of the pathology department at The Hospital for Sick Children were searched for all cases of ganglion cyst operated on between January 2000 and December 2008.

RESULTS:

Thirty-seven patients underwent treatment for symptomatic ganglion cyst. The mean age of the patients was 9.6 years, and there were 23 females. A mobile nodule was the initial presentation of the ganglion in 64% of the cases. Pain was the most common indication for surgical removal. Only 11.4% of patients experienced previous trauma. In 70% of the cases, the diagnosis was made clinically. The most common sites of occurrence were volar wrist (25.7%), dorsal wrist (22.8%) and the volar aspect of the base of the ring finger (17.1%). Surgical excision was the treatment of choice for 94.2% of the patients with symptomatic lesions. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Only one patient (2.8%) presented with recurrence in the series.

CONCLUSION:

Although it is possible that these findings might change with longer follow-up, the present data provide information to help guide the treatment of these cysts. Complete surgical removal is a very effective treatment, with low rates of recurrence.     

Ganglion cyst on the posterior cruciate ligament: a case report

Objective:

To present the diagnostic and clinical features of a ganglion cyst located on the posterior cruciate ligament and create awareness amongst clinicians of this uncommon diagnosis.

Clinical Features:

A 24-year old woman complaining of intermittent left knee pain brought on by an increase in mileage during her training for a half-marathon. A diagnosis of mild chondromalacia patella and a ganglion cyst on the posterior cruciate ligament was made via diagnostic imaging.

Intervention and outcome:

Patient was followed up with imaging. The patient chose to withdraw a surgical consult due to patient preference. No conservative treatment was provided.

Conclusion:

Although chondromalacia patella is the more probable, a secondary diagnostic consideration in this patient could be a ganglion cyst. A ganglion cyst on the posterior cruciate ligament is an uncommon diagnosis and the clinical manifestations are variable and non-specific. It is important to be aware of its clinical features and to obtain appropriate methods of imaging to generate the diagnosis promptly.     

Thoracic Myelopathy Secondary to Intradural Extramedullary Bronchogenic Cyst

Background/Objective:

To report a case of thoracic myelopathy secondary to intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst.

Study Design:

Case report.

Methods/Findings:

A 20-year-old man presented to the emergency department with increasing back pain and lower-extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cystic lesion at the T4 level with mass effect on the spinal cord.

Results:

The lesion was resected, and histopathologic evaluation showed a cyst lined by respiratory-type epithelium consistent with a bronchogenic cyst.

Conclusions:

Intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cysts of the thoracic spine have been reported previously but are extremely rare. The treatment of choice is surgical resection.     

Spontaneous resolution of symptoms associated with a facet synovial cyst in an adult female – a case report

Background:

Facet cysts are implicated in neural compression in the lumbar spine. Surgery is the definitive treatment for symptomatic facet cysts since the failure rate for conservative treatment is quite high; however, the role of physical/manual medicine practitioners in the management of symptomatic facet cysts has not been well explored. This case report will add to the body of evidence of spontaneous resolution of symptoms associated with facet cysts in the chiropractic literature.

Case:

A 58 year old female presented with acute low back and right leg pain which she attributed to a series of exercise classes that involved frequent foot stomping. Physical examination did not elicit any objective evidence of radiculopathy but MRI and CT scans revealed a facet cyst impinging on the right L5 nerve root. Injections and surgery were recommended; however, the patient’s radicular symptoms completely resolved after three months without surgical intervention.

Summary:

There is currently a paucity of data in the literature regarding the chiropractor’s role in the management of symptomatic facet cysts. The case presented here has added to this literature and possible areas for future research have been explored.     

Acute sciatica and progressive neurological deficit secondary to facet synovial cysts: A report of two cases.

Objective:

To describe two patients with lumbar facet synovial cysts causing sciatica and progressive neurological deficit.

Clinical Features:

A 52-year-old female with bilateral sciatica and a neurological deficit that progressed to a foot drop; and a 54-year-old female with worsening sciatica and progressive calf weakness were seen at a major tertiary care centre. Diagnostic imaging studies revealed the presence of spinal nerve root impingement by large facet synovial cysts.

Interventions and Outcomes:

Activity modification, gabapentinoid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications were unsuccessful in ameliorating either patient’s symptoms. One patient had been receiving ongoing lumbar chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy despite the onset of a progressive neurological deficit. Both patients eventually required surgery to remove the cyst and decompress the affected spinal nerve roots.

Conclusion:

Patients with acute sciatica who develop a progressive neurological deficit while under care, require prompt referral for axial imaging and surgical consultation. Primary care spine clinicians need to be aware of lumbar facet synovial cysts as a possible cause of acute sciatica and the associated increased risk of the patient developing a progressive neurological deficit.     

Intraosseous ganglion cyst of the humeral head in a competitive flat water paddler: case report

Objective

To present the diagnostic and clinical features of an intraosseous ganglion cyst of the humeral head of a female flat water canoe athlete.

Clinical Features

An 18-year old female flat water canoeist complaining of right shoulder pain following a strenuous paddling training camp.

Intervention and outcome

A trial of passive care was conducted, including soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulative therapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation. The patient seemed to be responding with treatment, but pain would always resume with paddling. A diagnostic ultrasound displayed mild thickening and effusion in the subacromial/subdeltoid bursae. Continued passive care was not able to resolve the symptoms and she underwent an MRI which revealed an intraosseus ganglion cyst subjacent to the lesser tuberosity and floor of the intertubercular groove. A subsequent MRA was ordered to assess the labrum, which was intact, but the cyst had progressed in size. She was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who performed surgery.

Conclusion

An IOG cyst within the humeral head is a rare, potentially painful condition that can mimic other pathologies including impingement and labral tear. It is important to be aware of the clinical features to obtain a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this condition.     

How to Build a Simple and Safe Laparoscopic Hydatid Evaluation System

Background:

One of the most common problems faced in laparoscopic treatment of hydatid cysts is the difficulty in evacuating the particulate contents (daughter cysts and laminated membrane). Although various instruments and laparoscopic techniques have been described to evacuate the contents of hydatid cysts, most are not available at many surgical centers.

Methods:

By assembling disposable, cheap, and available anesthesia equipment with common laparoscopic instruments, a laparoscopic system was made to evacuate the contents of a hydatid cyst. Ten patients with hepatic hydatid disease underwent laparoscopic surgery using this new hydatid system between June 2011 and January 2013.

Results:

The procedure was completely straightforward. Twelve hydatid cysts (2 patients had 2 separated cysts) were evacuated without any spillage. All patients were followed for at least 8 months, with no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions:

This simple apparatus, which can be assembled anywhere, was safely used to evacuate the contents of hydatid cysts without causing any spillage.     

Laparoscopic management of chemical peritonitis caused by dermoid cyst spillage

Background:

Dermoid cyst is the most frequent benign ovarian tumor. Spillage of cyst contents during surgery is common and can rarely lead to chemical peritonitis.

Case Report:

A patient presented 3 days after attempted laparoscopic removal of bilateral dermoid cysts. On examination, she had a low-grade fever, rebound tenderness with guarding, and a markedly elevated white blood cell count. A decision was made to proceed with laparoscopy with the presumptive diagnosis of chemical peritonitis. Laparoscopic findings included residual dermoid cyst contents and extensive filmy adhesions of the bowel and omentum to the peritoneal surface. The chemical peritonitis resolved after laparoscopic removal of residual dermoid cyst content including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and copious irrigation.

Conclusion:

Early recognition and prompt treatment by repeat laparoscopic surgery with removal of the remaining cyst contents and peritoneal lavage can be a successful method for treating chemical peritonitis.     

Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts of the lung: analysis of 405 patients

Objective

The choice of operation, postoperative success and complications of surgery in patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts.

Design

A series of patients seen over 15 years.

Setting

A university clinic.

Patients

Four hundred and five patients (209 male, 196 female) ranging in age from 4 to 72 years (mean 29 years). Most (367 patients) had isolated lung cysts; 38 had both liver and lung cysts.

Interventions

A variety of procedures to remove cysts, including enucleation and capitonnage, wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Six patients with bilateral cysts were operated on through a median sternotomy approach. Others underwent posterolateral thoracotomy.

Main outcome measures

Value of diagnostic tests, the most efficacious approach for cyst removal and recurrence and death rates.

Results

Chest radiography gave a correct diagnosis in 99% of patients. The Casoni and Weinberg tests were discontinued because of high false-negative rates (up to 35%). Hospital mortality was 1.2% and postoperative complications occurred in 5.2%. The recurrence rate was 1.5%.

Conclusions

Lung-preserving surgical interventions are the treatment of choice for pulmonary hydatid disease. In patients with bilateral cysts, the median sternotomy approach is preferred, and in the patients with right lung disease and coexisting liver cysts the transdiaphragmatic approach is the one of choice to remove cysts in 1 stage.     

The management of liver hydatid cysts by percutaneous drainage.

Objective

To investigate the effect of percutaneous drainage on liver hydatid cysts.

Design

A retrospective case study.

Setting

Department of Surgery, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.

Patients

Forty-five patients with 83 liver hydatid cysts (types I and II according to the classification of Gharbi and colleagues) followed up for a mean of 30 months (range from 14 to 36 months).

Intervention

The cysts were drained percutaneously with ultrasonographic guidance and then irrigated with 0.05% silver nitrate solution through a fine needle. Albendazole was administered 48 hours before percutaneous drainage and for 2 months after the procedure to prevent the implantation of spilled scolices.

Main outcome measures

Complications of the procedure, decrease in size of the cyst cavity, recurrence and dissemination of the cysts.

Results

All the cysts were treated successfully by percutaneous drainage. Anaphylactic shock developed in 1 (2.2 %) patient, and mild allergic reactions were observed in 2 (4.4 %) patients during the interventional procedure. Follow-up ultrasonography and CT demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the mean cyst size. Recurrence and dissemination were not observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration and drainage is effective for managing cystic liver hydatid disease in selected cases.     

Endoscopic management of biliary hydatid disease

Objective

To determine the effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of biliary hydatid disease.

Design

A case study between January 1992 and December 1994.

Setting

A university-affiliated hospital in Adana, Turkey.

Patients

Five patients with biliary hydatid disease, in which the cyst had ruptured into the biliary tree. The follow-up ranged from 3 to 12 months.

Intervention

Endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Morbidity, mortality and recurrence of the disease.

Results

All patients underwent successful endoscopic sphincterotomy, including removal of daughter cysts. During the follow-up period, ultrasonography and laboratory investigations showed complete cure in all patients. There were no complications due to endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Conclusion

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is the treatment of choice for the management of hydatid cysts that have ruptured into the biliary tract causing obstructive jaundice.     

Paraovarian Cysts of Neoplastic Origin Are Underreported

Introduction:

We suspected that paraovarian cysts of neoplastic origin may be underreported. This study was designed to evaluate our data on the pathologic characteristics of cystic lesions located in the paraovarian area and compare them with previous studies that claimed the vast majority of these lesions were simple paraovarian cysts and only few (1.69% to 5%) were neoplastic ones.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of the clinical, surgical, ultrasonographic, and pathologic features of 59 women operated on for cystic paraovarian lesions at our institution from January 2002 to April 2006.

Results:

Forty-four women (74.6%) had simple paraovarian cysts, and 15 (25.4%) had benign neoplastic paraovarian cysts (7 cystadenomas and 8 cystadenofibromas). There were no cases of malignant tumor. There was no difference in the clinical presentation of the women with either type of cyst. Preoperative ultrasound examinations (n=50) demonstrated more complex cysts with internal papillary projections in the group with neoplastic paraovarian cysts (41.7% compared with 7.9%, P=0.01). The macroscopic pathologic examinations revealed a significantly increased percentage of gross papillary excrescences in the group of neoplastic paraovarian cysts (10/ 15, 66.7%) compared with the group with simple paraovarian cysts (3/44, 6.8%, P<0.01). Other pathologic features did not differ between the 2 study groups.

Discussion:

Our analysis revealed a higher percentage of paraovarian cysts of neoplastic origin (∼25%) than the figures quoted in most previous reports.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative inspection for diagnosing the cyst type and more frequent use of endobag devices to avoid spillage of cystic fluid are recommended.     

A giant adrenal cyst difficult to diagnose except by surgery

Introduction

Adrenal cysts represent rare clinical entities. Although surgical indications are well defined, pitfalls arise from the failure to establish an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Cystic lesions of other abdominal organs especially the pancreas complicate the diagnostic field.

Presentation of case

We present the case of a giant adrenal cyst in a young female causing diagnostic dilemma. Imaging studies revealed a large cystic lesion of uncertain origin located between the spleen and the tail of the pancreas. It was decided to perform a laparotomy which confirmed the presence of an adrenal cyst and enucleation of the cyst was performed. Examination at one year confirmed no complications.

Discussion

Adrenal cysts should always be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal lesions.

Conclusion

When the preoperative diagnosis is uncertain, surgical intervention can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.     

Role of Conventional and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Treatment Protocol for Hydatid Disease

Objective:

To demonstrate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining the treatment protocol for hydatid disease of the spine.

Design:

Case report; literature review.

Findings:

Diffusion-weighted MRI can help differentiate complicated infected hydatidosis from abscesses, epidermoid cysts from arachnoid cysts, and benign from malignant vertebral compression fractures. It is also helpful in differentiating between abscesses and necrotic tumors.

Conclusion:

Diffusion-weighted MRI can help differentiate between infections requiring immediate surgery and those that can be treated medically with antihelmintic treatment.     

Laparoscopic Management of a Cystic Duct Cyst

Background:

Choledochal cysts are rare cystic dilatations of the biliary tree. Though their cause is uncertain, these cysts are usually referred for surgical resection because of their association with developing malignancy. Traditionally, choledochal cysts have been classified under 5 main types. Not included in this classification are cysts of the cystic duct, a condition that is even rarer, with only 14 cases reported in the literature to date. We describe one such rare case of a cyst of the cystic duct that we successfully treated via laparoscopic resection.

Methods and Results:

A 41-year-old male was found to have a biliary abnormality on a routine follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan for an unrelated medical condition. Further magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging identified a cystic dilation consistent with a Type II choledochal cyst. Laparoscopic resection was performed using a total of 5 trocars, at which time a cyst of the cystic duct was found instead of the expected Type II choledochal cyst. Intraoperative cholangiography was used as a surgical adjunct to confirm the anatomy, and resection of the cyst was completed without complications.

Conclusions:

Our case adds to the body of reports showing that cysts of the cystic duct, while extremely rare, do occur and need to be recognized. Given the preoperative similarity between cystic duct cysts and other choledochal cysts, proposal for a new “Type VI” category for choledochal cysts may be considered so that clinicians can be prepared for this variation. Once recognized, cysts of the cystic duct can be safely and effectively removed by laparoscopic excision, as we have demonstrated.     

Laparoscopic Decortication of Hilar Renal Cysts Using LigaSure

Background and Objectives:

In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of using the LigaSure sealing system (Valleylab, Boulder, Colorado) for laparoscopic decortication of symptomatic hilar renal cysts.

Methods:

Seventeen patients underwent laparoscopic decortication of hilar renal cysts with the LigaSure system. Our study included only symptomatic, Bosniak type 1, simple and symptomatic renal cysts. The operative route, transperitoneal or retroperitoneal, was planned according to the location confirmed by computed tomography. The patients'' symptoms were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated by the Wong-Baker visual pain scale. Operative measures and radiologic outcomes were prospectively evaluated.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 56.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 12.5 months. Preoperative computed tomography showed only a single cyst in 15 patients (88.2%) and showed two separate cysts in 2 cases (11.8%). The cysts were located in the perihilar region close to the vascular structure in all patients. A transperitoneal approach was used in 9 patients, and a retroperitoneal approach was used in 8 patients. The mean operative time and hospitalization time were 56.4 minutes and 1.2 days, respectively. Minor complications were observed in 3 patients. Symptomatic and radiologic success rates of 94.2% and 100%, respectively, were achieved.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic decortication of symptomatic hilar renal cysts—first reported in the literature in this study—using the LigaSure sealing system is feasible, effective, and safe, even if the cyst is located in the perihilar area.     

Giant chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst and its successful enucleation: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Cysts of the mesentery are among surgical rarities. The clinical presentation is not characteristic and in addition, the preoperative imaging although suggestive is not diagnostic in this case ultrasound and CTscan was consistent with giant mesenteric cyst. In most cases, the diagnosis is confirmed after surgical exploration.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 42 yrs old male patient on exploratory laparotomy had a 14cm×10cm×10 cm cysts which was seen arising from the mesentery ofdistal jejunum 80cm from the duodeno jejunal flexure. The cyst was enucleated successfully from themesentery without entailing resection. The cyst contained milky white fluid consistent with a chylolymphatic cyst. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology which revealed a cyst wall with lymphoidaggregates. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient is doing well and there is no evidence of recurrence.

DISCUSSION

The cysts may be asymptomatic or maymanifest with abdominal pain, distension lump or intestinal obstruction. Our patient was symptomatic with mild and long standing abdominal pain. The definitive diagnosis of these lesions is difficult prior to surgical exploration as there are no pathognomonic symptoms or characteristic imaging findings.

CONCLUSION

Cysts of the mesentery are among surgical rarities. In most of the cases the diagnosis is confirmed after surgical exploration and removal of thecyst. We would like to emphasize the importance of successful enucleation of the cyst irrespective of its size due to its independent blood supply as opposed to enterogenous cyst which requires bowel resection and anastomosis.     

Delayed diagnosis in metastatic lesions of the foot

Introduction

Pedal acrometastases are a rare complication of disseminated malignancy. To date, there is little in the literature documenting their clinical course.

Methods

Our large orthopaedic oncology database was used to review the clinical course of symptomatic pedal acrometastases.

Results

A total of 15 cases of pedal acrometastases were identified from 2,595 patients with metastases. The median age at presentation was 64.5 years (range: 14–83 years) and the median length of foot symptoms (predominantly pain and swelling) prior to diagnosis of metastasis was 16 weeks (range: 6–104 weeks). The median survival following diagnosis was 4.6 months (range: 2.3–104.5 months).

Conclusions

This study suggests that 0.58% of all osseous metastases involve the foot, and that symptoms of foot pain and swelling are often misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose pedal acrometastases early, thereby allowing early treatment so that the patient’s quality of life can be maintained prior to death.     

Marfan syndrome and symptomatic sacral cyst: Report of two cases

Context

Meningeal abnormalities such as dural ectasia are seen in Marfan syndrome, but spinal meningeal cysts are rarely seen. These cysts usually asymptomatic and often found incidentally on magnetic resonance imaging, large cysts may cause neurological deficits and pain secondary to nerve root compression.

Design

Case reports.

Findings

Two patients with Marfan syndrome presented with urinary symptoms secondary to dural ectasia and sacral cysts. Patient 1 had a history of low back pain, erectile dysfunction, and occasional urinary incontinence and groin pain with recent symptom worsening. He underwent L5 partial laminectomy and S1-S2 laminectomy with sacral cyst decompression. Nine weeks later, he underwent drainage of a sacral pseudomeningocele. Pain and urinary symptoms resolved, and he remains neurologically normal 2 years after surgery. Patient 2 presented after a fall on his tailbone, complaining of low back pain and difficulty urinating. Physical therapy was implemented, but after 4 weeks, urinary retention had not improved. He then underwent resection of the sacral cyst and S1-S3 laminectomy. Pain and paresthesias resolved and bowel function returned to normal. Other than needing intermittent self-catheterization, all other neurologic findings were normal 30 months after surgery.

Conclusion/clinical relevance

Surgical goals for sacral cysts include resection as well as closure of the dura, which can be challenging due to thinning from ectasia. Neurosurgical intervention in Marfan syndrome is associated with a high risk of dural tears and osseous complications, and should be performed only when symptoms are severe.