MRI image showing ACJ cyst and Geyser sign. Ultrasound of ACJ joint with cyst. X-ray of ACJ cyst

Stay tuned on new Fellowships and learnings

MRI & ULTRASOUND: ACJ CYSTS AND GEYSER SIGN – DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FINDINGS

ACJ CYSTS AND GEYSER SIGN - DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FINDINGS

ACJ CYSTS & GEYSER SIGN

 

AC joint ganglion cysts, also known as ACJ cysts, are ganglia that develop adjacent to the acromioclavicular joint. These cysts are commonly associated with advanced AC joint degeneration and complete Rotator Cuff Tears.

radiology-education-asia-radedasia
 

A combined Clinico Radiological case from Dr Joe Thomas (Rheumatologist)

This is a combined case with Dr Joe Thomas, a senior consultant Rheumatologist who is also joining us in presenting the Spine Arthropathy and Spondyloarthropathy course.

TYPES OF AC JOINT GANGLION CYSTS

AC joint ganglion cysts are classified into two types based on whether the rotator cuff is intact or not.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

These cysts are associated with advanced AC joint arthritis and are not related to rotator cuff tears. They arise from the formation of synovial inflammation and cysts within the AC joint itself.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

These cysts are associated with rotator cuff tears, usually complete tears. Complete RCT tears result in superior migration of the humeral head which erodes the ACJ capsule and fluid enters the ACJ from the Glenohumeral joint. There is also increased synovial fluid production in the ACJ. Eventually a tear in the superior margin of the ACJ capsule results in synovial fluid extension out of the AC joint, creating a ganglion cyst.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

THE GEYSER SIGN

The Geyser sign is actually an arthrographic finding where contrast injected into the Glenohumeral joint/ACJ squirts out through a thin neck from the ACJ into the ganglion cyst. On MRI or ultrasound, you may or may not see the neck of the ACJ ganglion cyst.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

Whilst not technically difficult to aspirate and can be attempted, Type 2 cysts are likely to recur as there is a continuing communication between the GH joint, AC joint and the cyst. Surgical treatment is most commonly required for definitive treatment.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

  • AC joint ganglion cysts are classified into two types: Type 1 and Type 2. 

  • Type 1 ACJ ganglion cysts are associated with advanced AC joint arthritis and are not related to rotator cuff tears. 

  • Type 2 ACJ ganglion cysts are associated with rotator cuff tears, usually complete tears.

radiology-education-asia-radedasia

Read Article:Acromioclavicular Joint Cyst Formation Clinical Anatomy, Read HERE
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

TEST YOURSELF ON SOME COMMON & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Advanced AC joint arthritis. The rotator cuff is intact.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

Rotator cuff tears, usually complete tears.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

An arthrographic finding where contrast injected into the Glenohumeral joint or ACJ squirts out through a thin neck into the ganglion cyst.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

High recurrence rate due to the ongoing communication between the GH joint, AC joint, and the cyst. What are the limitations of US aspiration for Type 2 AC joint ganglion.
radiology-education-asia-radedasia

Our CPD & Learning Partners

OUR OTHER POPULAR POSTS ON RCT: CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW

mri musculotendinous junction cysts and delaminating rotator cuff tears
Cyst
biceps labrum anchor complex slap tear attachment insertion mri
Rotator Cuff

Stay tuned on new Fellowships and learnings

error: Content is protected !!

Join our Newsletter

Stay tuned on new
Mini-Fellowships launches and learnings

Mini-Fellowships

Better Than Conferences

Join our WhatsApp Community

We help radiologists learn
by doing and report with confidence

This site is intended for Medical Professions only. Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Statement which can be found by clicking on the links. Please accept before proceeding to the website.