MR imaging of digital mucoid cysts

Surgery for benign nail tumor

The vast majority of tumors in the nail apparatus have a different clinical presentation and course from their equivalents on the skin. Some, such as onychomatricoma and onychopapilloma, are unique to the nail and others, such as superficial acral fibromyxoma, have a tropism for the nail apparatus. As a rule, benign lesions respect the general architecture of the nail apparatus, whereas malignant tumors are destructive. Treatment is always surgical and good knowledge of the anatomy and the procedures is mandatory in order not to induce postoperative nail dystrophy.

Republication of "Mucous Cyst at the Interphalangeal Joint of the First Toe Caused by Contact Pressure With the Second Toe due to Hallux Valgus: A Case Report"

A 77-year-old woman presented with a mucous cyst on the lateral aspect of the interphalangeal joint of the first toe caused by contact pressure with the second toe from hallux valgus. She complained of discomfort and discharge from the left first toe for approximately 4 months. Physical examination showed the second toe pressing strongly against the first toe due to hallux valgus and discharge from the skin on the lateral aspect of the interphalangeal joint of the first toe. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion at the same level. The patient underwent a modified scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal for hallux valgus to resolve the contact pressure between the toes-considered the cause of the mucous cyst-and resection of mucous cyst. Forefoot weight bearing was allowed 6 weeks after surgery. As of 1 year after surgery, she has had no recurrence of the cyst. The score on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale improved from 59/100 points to 92/100. This outcome suggests that hallux valgus correction should be considered when a mucous cyst is associated with contact pressure due to a hallux valgus deformity. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous reports of a mucous cyst caused by contact pressure between the first toe and second toe due to hallux valgus.

Digital mucous cysts of the finger without osteoarthritis: optimizing outcome of long needle trajectory aspiration and injection

Digital mucous cysts are common, benign and highly recurrent tumors of the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and often associated with osteoarthritis. Multiple treatment modalities have been described, but still no consensus is stated. In the absence of degenerative changes, we promote a novel non-surgical approach. The aim of this study was to examine all patients with digital mucous cysts without underlying osteoarthritis, undergoing this injection technique and to assess outcome and complications of this procedure. This was a single center study (2018-2019) of 17 patients who received a long needle trajectory aspiration and injection for treatment of digital mucous cysts. Exclusion criteria were prior surgical treatment, post-traumatic cyst formation and the presence of radiographic distal interphalangeal joint osteophytosis. A total of 15 patients were found eligible for inclusion. The patient reports were retrospectively analyzed with a follow-up of 6 months. The primary study outcome was resolution of the cyst; secondary outcomes were complications of the procedure. Twelve (80%) resolved completely and three (20%) had limited local recurrence at 6 months. No complications were reported. None of the patients with limited recurrence desired further treatment. We believe that this technique offers a non-invasive, low-cost treatment option for digital mucous cysts, particularly in the subset of patients with ample evidence of degenerative articular changes in the distal interphalangeal joint. The described technique can be performed in an office-based setting and avoids typical surgical as well as aspiration-associated complications.

Blue Nail Discoloration: Literature Review and Diagnostic Algorithms

Blue nail discoloration is a distinctive clinical presentation, and diagnosis is challenging given the broad differential diagnosis. A comprehensive review of the literature describing blue discoloration of one or multiple nails was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 245 publications were included and grouped based on involvement of a single nail (monodactylic) or multiple nails (polydactylic). Monodactylic blue discoloration was associated with tumors or benign nevi, most commonly glomus tumors, followed by blue nevi and less commonly melanomas. Polydactylic blue discoloration was frequently associated with medications (such as minocycline, zidovudine, and hydroxyurea), toxic and exogenous exposures (such as silver), and other medical conditions (such as HIV/AIDS and systemic lupus erythematous). Patients presenting with blue nail discoloration warrant a thorough history, physical examination, and workup to rule out malignancy, systemic disease, or toxic exposure. We present diagnostic algorithms for monodactylic and polydactylic blue nail discoloration to guide workup and treatment plans.

Digital Myxoid Cysts: Correlation of Initial and Long-Term Response to Steroid Injections

BACKGROUND

Digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are benign myxoid pseudocysts that develop on the distal interphalangeal joint's lateral or dorsal aspects. Management consists either of a surgical approach, conservative therapy, or simple follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the initial and long-term response with clinical and ultrasound parameters in DMCs treated with intralesional steroids as first-line therapy.

METHODS

A single-center prospective open-label study recruited 15 patients affected by DMCs, who had been treated with a cycle of up to 3 steroid injections at a 6 to 9 week time interval.

RESULTS

At the first follow-up visit, 53.3% of patients were cleared of DMCs, achieving a complete response, whereas 46.7% experienced a >30% decrease in their DMC volume, and were considered partial responders. After 1 year of follow-up, the cure rate decreased to 40%, and the recrudescence rate was 27.3%. Clinical and sonographic characteristics that positively correlated with a maintained complete response at follow-up were as follows: young age, absence of osteophytes, low volume, complete clearance at T1, and short disease duration (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Intralesional steroid therapy is an easy approach for DMC, with minimal side effects; identifying predictive hallmarks is useful to offer a straightforward surgical treatment to patients who have nonresponder characteristics.

Clinical Relevance and Immunohistochemical Patterns of Silent Pituitary Adenomas: 10 Years of Single-centre Experience

BACKGROUND

Silent pituitary adenomas are clinically non-functional (i.e., without clinically evident pituitary hormone production).

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate subjects with silent pituitary adenomas for possible variations in their clinical status.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients who had undergone surgery for pituitary adenoma and had been diagnosed with silent pituitary adenoma was included in the study. The patients' preoperative and postoperative hormonal parameters and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features were collected, and pathological specimens were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry results of the 102 patients were as follows: hormone-negative adenomas (n=35) 35.5%; FSH+LH-positivity (n=32) 31.3%; ACTH-positivity (n=11) 10.7%; α-subunit- positivity (n= 9) 8.8%; prolactin-positivity (n=8) 7.8%; GH-positivity (n=6) 5.4%; and plurihormonal adenoma (n=1). The mean sizes of SGA, SGHA, and SCA were 28.0±12.7, 30.0±16.0, and 27.7±8.9mm (p>0.05), respectively. With the exception of silent gonadotroph adenomas (SGAs), female gender dominance was shown in patients with silent growth hormone adenoma (SGHA) and silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA). Although no clinical relevance was observed in relation to hormonal excess, preoperative GH (4.21±4.6, vs. 0.27±0.36 p=0.00) was slightly more elevated in SGHA than in GH-negative adenomas. Additionally, preoperative basal ACTH values (47.3±28.7 vs. 23.9±14.4, p=0.003) were also higher in SCA compared to the other types. Our findings revealed SCAs to be of more aggressive behaviour than SGHAs and SGAs due to invasiveness in radiological imaging, their elevated re-operation, and postoperative ACTH values.

CONCLUSION

Silent pituitary adenomas represent a challenging diagnostic tumour group. Careful initial evaluation of patients with pituitary adenomas should consider any mild signs and symptoms of functionality, particularly in cases of GH- and ACTH-secreting adenomas.

[Mucous pseudocysts-when and how to treat?]

The treatment of mucous pseudocysts must consider their tendency for recurrence. There are numerous established treatment options available. The decision on the optimal therapy, however, depends on the clinical presentation and symptoms as well as on possible side effects. This review presents surgical as well as nonsurgical treatment options for digital mucous pseudocysts and an algorithm is suggested. For recurrent and symptomatic lesions with pain or deformation of the nail plate, surgical excision of the pseudocyst and closure with a flap can be considered.

Mucous Cyst at the Interphalangeal Joint of the First Toe Caused by Contact Pressure With the Second Toe due to Hallux Valgus

A 77-year-old woman presented with a mucous cyst on the lateral aspect of the interphalangeal joint of the first toe caused by contact pressure with the second toe from hallux valgus. She complained of discomfort and discharge from the left first toe for approximately 4 months. Physical examination showed the second toe pressing strongly against the first toe due to hallux valgus and discharge from the skin on the lateral aspect of the interphalangeal joint of the first toe. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion at the same level. The patient underwent a modified scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal for hallux valgus to resolve the contact pressure between the toes— considered the cause of the mucous cyst—and resection of mucous cyst. Forefoot weight bearing was allowed 6 weeks after surgery. As of 1 year after surgery, she has had no recurrence of the cyst. The score on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale improved from 59/100 points to 92/100. This outcome suggests that hallux valgus correction should be considered when a mucous cyst is associated with contact pressure due to a hallux valgus deformity. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous reports of a mucous cyst caused by contact pressure between the first toe and second toe due to hallux valgus.

Effectiveness and Safety of Surgical Excision in the Treatment of Digital Mucoid Cysts

BACKGROUND

Digital mucoid cysts have a tendency for recurrence after operative intervention. Several procedures are in use.

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective evaluation for effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction by using a questionnaire after treatment for digital mucoid cysts with targeted surgical excision and closure by flap-design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients treated with surgical excision for digital mucoid cysts at the Dermatology Department of the Ludwigshafen City Hospital between 2007 and 2011 were evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire.

RESULTS

We evaluated 31 patients. The patient group consisted of 65% women, the median age was 61 years. Seventy-eight percent of patients with nail involvement had a marked improvement or complete resolution of this complaint after surgery. A few complications (e.g., redness, pain or hematoma) were observed after treatment, but no patients required oral antibiotics. Patient evaluation of cosmetic outcome revealed high satisfaction with the procedure, nevertheless recurrence of the digital mucoid cysts was observed in 22.5% of all cases.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision in treatment of digital mucoid cysts was shown to be effective and safe. However, possible advantages and disadvantages of this treatment option should be discussed with the patients before a decision on the kind of therapy is reached.

Benign soft-tissue lesions of the fingers: radiopathological correlation and clinical considerations

Soft-tissue lesions of the fingers are commonly found in daily clinical practice. A wide range of tumors and pseudotumors have been described in this location, and the majority of them are benign. Ganglion cysts are the most common entity, and the localized type of tenosynovial giant cell tumors are the most frequent solid condition. Both may be easily recognized owing to their typical clinical and radiological characteristics. However, categorization of the spectrum of soft-tissue lesions of the fingers remains limited, despite imaging development, and many patients undergo surgery before radiological or histological diagnosis. Clinical history, radiographic features, and ultrasound and magnetic resonance patterns may help in obtaining the correct diagnosis or reducing the list of differential diagnoses. Radiologists should be familiar with imaging findings so that they can determine the size, extension, and affected neighboring anatomical structures, and provide information that allows adequate presurgical counseling.

[Myxoid pseudocyst: when and how to treat?]

Myxoid pseudocysts (MPCs) are the most frequent pseudotumors of the digit and dermatologists are frequently referred. It is now believed that MPCs occur as a result of a leakage of synovial fluid through a breach in the joint capsule of the distal interphalangeal joint promoted by osteoarthritis. Many treatments have been proposed from simple repeated punctures, injections of steroids or sclerosants, cryosurgery, laser evaporation, infrared coagulation to surgical excision. Surgical procedures depend on the location of MPCs in the nail apparatus. In this review, we will discuss the best approaches to the treatment of MPCs whereas no guidelines are available for their management.

Radiographic scoring methods in hand osteoarthritis--a systematic literature search and descriptive review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the use of conventional radiography (CR) in hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess the metric properties of the different radiographic scoring methods.

DESIGN

Medical literature databases up to November 2013 were systematically reviewed for studies reporting on radiographic scoring of structural damage in hand OA. The use and metric properties of the scoring methods, including discrimination (reliability, sensitivity to change), feasibility and validity, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 48 included studies, 10 provided data on reliability, 11 on sensitivity to change, four on feasibility and 36 on validity of radiographic scoring methods. Thirteen different scoring methods have been used in studies evaluating radiographic hand OA. The number of examined joints differed extensively and the obtained scores were analyzed in various ways. The reliability of the assessed radiographic scoring methods was good for all evaluated scoring methods, for both cross-sectional and longitudinal radiographic scoring. The responsiveness to change was similar for all evaluated scoring methods. There were no major differences in feasibility between the evaluated scoring methods, although the evidence was limited. There was limited knowledge about the validity of radiographic OA findings compared with clinical nodules and deformities, whereas there was better evidence for an association between radiographic findings and symptoms and hand function.

CONCLUSIONS

Several radiographic scoring methods are used in hand OA literature. To enhance comparability across studies in hand OA, consensus has to be reached on a preferred scoring method, the examined joints and the used presentation of data.

Subungual tumors: clinicopathologic correlation with US and MR imaging findings

Various types of tumors can affect the subungual space, including benign solid tumors (glomus tumor, subungual exostosis, soft-tissue chondroma, keratoacanthoma, hemangioma, lobular capillary hemangioma), benign cystic lesions (epidermal and mucoid cysts), and malignant tumors (squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma). Imaging plays an important role in the detection and differentiation of subungual tumors because of their small size, nonspecific clinical manifestations, and functional significance. Ultrasonography (US)-in particular, high-resolution US with color Doppler studies-provides useful information regarding tumor size, location, shape, and internal characteristics (cystic, solid, or mixed), but it is limited in the further characterization of tissue. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has an important role in categorizing tumors according to their anatomic location, pathologic origin, and signal characteristics. There is some overlap between the US and MR imaging features of subungual tumors; however, certain features can allow accurate diagnosis and expedite management when correlated with clinical and pathologic findings.

Digital Mucous Cysts

Background:

Digital mucous cyst (DMC) is a common benign condition, but consensus has not been reached regarding its pathogenesis and treatment.

Objective:

This review provides a concise overview of DMCs.

Methods:

The review presents the literature pertaining to the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, clinical features, epidemiology, differential diagnoses, diagnosis, and management of DMCs.

Results:

DMCs have a predilection for middle-aged patients, a good prognosis, and a high recurrence rate. DMCs may occur in one of three locations on the distal digit. They arise owing to a metaplastic or degenerative process. Preexisting osteoarthritis is common and may be an etiologic factor in patients with DMCs. A number of conservative and surgical treatments are available depending on the structures and locations involved.

Conclusion:

Studies with greater sample size and longer follow-up would enrich current knowledge of the benefits, recurrences, and complications for each treatment modality.

Nail changes and association of osteoarthritis in digital myxoid cyst

BACKGROUND

Digital myxoid cyst is relatively common on the digits. Nail changes and osteoarthritis are usually associated with this pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to clarify this relationship and its significance by analyzing the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Fifty-one patients with digital myxoid cysts were diagnosed and analyzed during a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight (74.5%) of 51 patients showed radiologic evidence of primary interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis in the affected digits. Among the 39 cysts removed surgically and examined pathologically, 28 were myxomatous and 11 were ganglion. Different clinical manifestations of nail change, including longitudinal grooves (20 cases), concave canaliform dystrophy (9 cases), "washboard" transverse lines (5 cases), and longitudinal grooves with beaded ridges (1 case) were found.

CONCLUSION

Osteoarthritis of the adjacent terminal joint is an important factor involved in forming digital myxoid cysts. Of the two cyst types, ganglion cysts are related to osteoarthritis more often than myxomatous cysts. Nail changes, secondary to matrix damage, are reliable clinical signs of underlying cyst formation. Understanding the pathogenesis of the digital myxoid cyst in relation to osteoarthritis and nail deformity helps inform the care of these patients.

Multiple myxoid cysts secondary to occupation

We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with eight digital myxoid cysts (DMCs) involving the fingers of both hands. They developed within 12 months of the patient starting a job that involved pushing a garment into an embroidery mould, thus exerting a downward force on the fingertips. The pressure exerted from this force could have potentially damaged the joint synovial capsule, leading to rupture and loss of synovial gel, thus inducing myxoid cysts. This case suggests that DMCs may be related to occupation, and to our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of occupationally induced DMCs.

Digital mucoid cyst excision by using the bilobed flap technique and arthroplastic resection

There are a number of proposed causes and treatment approaches for digital mucoid cysts. The described treatment outcomes for this cyst have been variable, with the highest success rate reported with complete excision and single-lobe skin flap closure. This report describes a bilobed flap reconstruction in conjunction with resection of the head of the middle phalanx. A retrospective review was undertaken to evaluate the recurrence rate, complications, and patient satisfaction with this combined procedure. Fifteen patients with an average follow-up of 4.6 years were evaluated. There were no recurrences, flap failures, or other major complications. The use of this flap allows for greater exposure than traditional semi-elliptical incisions while allowing the wide excisional defects to be closed primarily.

Imaging of tumors of the nail unit

In case of suspicion of a deep mass beneath the nail plate, radiographs remain necessary to assess the distal phalanx and the distal interphalangeal joint. Ultrasonography may be helpful to depict a cystic or a vascular component of a tumor. Computed tomography is only indicated to accurately assess tiny abnormalities of the cortex of the distal phalanx. MR imaging offers a whole imaging of the soft parts of the nail unit and the underlying bone.

Imaging of the tumors of the perionychium

Despite the high value of clinical examination of the perionychium, radiography remains necessary if one suspects a deep mass beneath the nail plate. Ultrasonography may be helpful in experienced hands to depict cystic or vascular lesions, but MRI offers the most promising developments for imaging the perionychium.

Subungual myxoid cysts: clinical manifestations and response to therapy

BACKGROUND

Myxoid cysts located beneath the nail are very different from those within the nailfold and there is no established literature on their diagnosis and therapy.

OBJECTIVE

Thirty-five cases of subungual myxoid cyst are described in which the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, surgical exploration, or both.

METHODS

The clinical characteristics of all cases of subungual myxoid cysts confirmed in 3 specialist nail clinics are reported. Twenty cases were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Histologic details were recorded in 4 cases.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (22 female, 12 male) presented with a subungual tumor of the thumb (n = 25) or finger (n = 10). The 3 main clinical variables were color of the lunula, transverse nail curvature, and integrity of the nail. In 26 cases the lunula was discolored; it was red in 22 cases, blue in 3, and as part of a longitudinal leukonychia in one. Transverse curvature was increased in 29 cases and was normal in 5 cases; in one case the nail was destroyed. In 11 cases, the change in curvature led to lateral ingrowing. Surgery (n = 22), sclerosant (n = 1), and spontaneous discharge (n = 2) all resulted in resolution. Ten patients had no treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study describes 35 subungual myxoid cysts having characteristic features that allow clinical diagnosis. They respond to a range of treatments.