The diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasonography for dorsal wrist cyst / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasonography for dorsal wrist cyst.MethodsThe ultrasonographic characteristics of 136 dorsal wrist cysts were retrospectively studied and compared with the pathological results, the locations and the imaging characteristics of the cysts were analysed, hence to conclude the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasonography.ResultsBased on the anatomical location diagnosed by high frequency ultrasound, the 136 dorsal cysts were divided into three types: extensor retinaculum cysts, synovial tendon sheath cysts and dorsal interosseous ligament cysts, each accounted for 1.5% (2/136), 24.3% (33/136) and 74.2% (101/136) of the study group. The most frequently detected locations for dorsal cysts were dorsal scapholunate ligament,tendinous sheath of extensor digitorum and extensor indicis, as well as tendinous sheath of extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis,each accounted for 60.3% (82/136), 8.1% (11/136) and 6.6% (9/136) of all dorsal wrist cysts respectively. Dorsal wrist cysts had typical ultrasonographic features on 2-D gray-scale ultrasonography, the extensor retinaculum cyst demonstrated as a well-marginated, small-sized and oval anechoic area, which was commonly located in the oedematous extensor retinaculum, but it had no adjunction with the extensor tendon, and it was accompanied with dorsal scapholunate ligment cyst frequently. Synovial tendon sheath cyst demonstrated as a oval or eggplant-shaped anechoic area which was usually winding around the extensor tendon, but it had no adjunction with the dorsal interosseous ligament and the extensor retinaculum. Meanwhile, the dorsal interosseous ligament appeared to be normal strip-like echo texture with a smooth and clear margin. Dorsal interosseous ligament cyst demonstrated as a out-of-shape anechoic area and located superior to the injured ligament. Meanwhile, the impaired ligament was thickened with uneven margin and decreased echo texture. No blood lfow signals was detected in all dorsal wrist cysts by color doppler lfow imaging.ConclusionHigh-frequency ultrasonography can be used to diagnosis dorsal wrist cysts, and can be served as the preferred imaging modelity to guide the clinical treatment.