J Korean Radiol Soc.  1999 Jul;41(1):171-175. 10.3348/jkrs.1999.41.1.171.

Ganglionic Cysts Related to the Scapula: MR Findings

• Jeong AK
• Kim SM
• Kim KS
• Shin MJ
• Ahn JM
• Chun JM

• KMID: 2200878
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1999.41.1.171

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of ganglionic cysts related to thescapula. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 15 ganglionic cysts diagnosed by MR imaging in 14pa-tients who subsequently underwent surgical excision (n=8) or needle aspiration (n=1). Five other patients whoselesion-related symptoms were not too severe to manage underwent conservative treatment. We ana-lyzed MR findingswith regard to the size, shape and presence of internal septa, the location and signal intensity of the lesion,and associated findings such as change of rotator cuff muscle, labral tear and bone erosion. We also evaluated thepresence of tear of rotator cuff tendon, tendinosis, and subacromial enthesophyte. RESULTS: The diameter ofganglionic cysts was 0.5 -5.5 (mean, 2.8)cm, and they were round (n=2), ovoid (n=6), or elongated (n=7). Whereinternal septa were present (n=13), cysts were lobulated. Lesions were located in both scapular and spinoglenoidnotches (n=9), only in the scapular notch (n=2), only in the spinoglenoid notch (n=2) or within the bone (n=2). Ineleven cases they were very close to the superoposterior aspect of the glenoid labrum (n=11). On T1-weightedimages, all lesions were seen to be iso- or hypointense to mus-cle, while on T2-weighted images, they werehyperintense, resembling joint fluid (n=14), except in one patient with hemorrhage. Associated findings were edemaof the infraspinatus muscle (n=4), pressure erosion of the scapular neck (n=1), and labral tear (n=1). A tornsupraspinatus tendon (n=2), supraspinatus tendinosis(n=3), and subacromial enthesophyte (n=2) were also present.CONCLUSION: MR imaging was helpful in diagnosing ganglionic cysts and detecting associated lesions.

Keyword

Shoulder, MR

MeSH Terms

Ganglion Cysts*
Hemorrhage
Humans
Joints
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neck
Needles
Retrospective Studies
Rotator Cuff
Scapula*
Tendinopathy
Tendons