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Interleukin-1alpha-dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) secretion and activation in the epithelial cells of odontogenic jaw cysts.

Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are thought to be involved in odontogenic cyst expansion. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-1alpha on the secretion and activation of MMP-9 in odontogenic jaw cysts. An active form of MMP-9 was present in odontogenic keratocyst (6 of 8 cases) fluids more frequently than dentigerous cyst (3 of 10 cases) and radicular cyst (3 of 10 cases) fluids, although proMMP-9 was present in all cyst fluids. Odontogenic keratocyst fragments in explant culture secreted a larger amount of IL-1alpha than dentigerous cyst and radicular cyst fragments in explant culture, and spontaneously secreted both proMMP-9 and an active form of MMP-9. The fragments of dentigerous cysts and radicular cysts secreted a small amount of proMMP-9, but no active form of MMP-9. Exogenously added recombinant human IL-1alpha (rhlL-1alpha) increased the secretion and activation of proMMP-9 in the fragments of dentigerous cysts and radicular cysts. The epithelial cells isolated from odontogenic keratocysts secreted IL-1alpha and proMMP-9 without stimulation. Under the cultivation on a fibronectin-coated dish, rhIL-1alpha increased the secretion of proMMP-9 from the epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, rhIL-1alpha induced the secretion of proMMP-3 and plasminogen activator urokinase (u-PA) from the epithelial cells, and converted the secreted proMMP-3 to the active form in the presence of plasminogen. The secreted proMMP-9 was also activated in the presence of rhIL-1alpha and plasminogen. Hence, our results suggest that IL-1alpha may up-regulate not only proMMP-9 secretion but also proMMP-9 activation by inducing proMMP-3 and u-PA production in the cyst epithelial cells by autocrine/paracrine regulatory mechanisms.

Autocrine Communication↗

Values of carcinoembryonic antigen, elastase 1, and carbohydrate antigen determinant in aspirated pancreatic cystic fluid in the diagnosis of cysts of the pancreas.

The levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), elastase 1, and carbohydrate antigen determinant (CA 19-9) in the pancreatic cystic fluid and the serum from five patients with cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas, one patient with retention cyst due to pancreatic carcinoma, three patients with cystadenoma, and eight patients with benign pseudocyst accompanying or following pancreatitis, were determined by immunoassay technique. Fluid from pancreatic cysts was obtained by ultrasonically-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The specimens were centrifuged and the supernatant was used for the measurement of CEA, elastase 1, and CA 19-9, while the cell pellet was examined cytologically. The levels of CEA in the aspirated fluid were significantly higher in patients with malignant cysts of the pancreas than in those with benign cystadenomas and pseudocysts. In contrast, the levels of elastase 1 were significantly lower in patients with malignant cysts than in those with benign pancreatic cysts. Although the levels of CA 19-9 were significantly higher in patients with malignant cysts than in those with pseudocysts, the overlap between the values of patients with malignant and benign pancreatic cysts is too great. The serum CA 19-9 was most useful, however, to distinguish an individual patient with malignant cysts of the pancreas from those with benign pancreatic cyst, since there were no significant differences between the levels of serum CEA and elastase 1 in patients with malignant and benign pancreatic cysts. Correct diagnoses were made cytologically in 4 (66.7%) of 6 patients with malignant cysts. In two patients with malignant cyst, in whom no cancer cells were detectable in the aspirated materials, levels of CEA were abnormally high, but high levels of elastase 1 did not occur. Therefore, the combined measurement of CEA and elastase 1 in the aspirated cystic fluid of the pancreas could be used as an aid in diagnosis of malignant cysts of the pancreas.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Risk factors for the development of hepatic cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Hepatic cysts are a major manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. This study examined 239 autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients and 189 unaffected family members to define the factors that influence the presence and severity of hepatic cysts. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients with hepatic cysts were older than autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients without such cysts (44.6 +/- 1.1 yr vs. 32.9 +/- 1.1 yr; p less than 0.0001). The number of hepatic cysts increased with age (r = 0.43; p less than 0.0001). Women were more likely to have massive hepatic cystic disease (greater than 15 cysts) than men (p less than 0.04). Women also had larger maximal cyst size (4.2 +/- 0.4 cm vs. 2.7 +/- 0.3 cm; p less than 0.004). Women with hepatic cysts were more likely to have been pregnant (p less than 0.001) and to have had more pregnancies (2.9 +/- 0.3 pregnancies vs. 1.6 +/- 0.2 pregnancies; p less than 0.0009). Kidney volume (p less than 0.0001), number of cysts (p less than 0.004), percentage of cystic parenchyma (p less than 0.001) and predominant cyst size (p less than 0.001) were greater and creatinine clearance was lower (64.5 +/- 3.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 94.5 +/- 3.4 ml/min/1.73 m2; p less than 0.001) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients with hepatic cysts. By logistic regression, the frequency of hepatic cysts was related to increased age, increased severity of renal cystic disease and decreased creatinine clearance. Number and size of hepatic cysts correlated with the occurrence of pregnancy, female gender, increased age and severity of the renal lesion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Epithelial cysts in the central nervous system, characteristic expression of cytokeratins in an immunohistochemical study.

Nineteen epithelial cysts in the central nervous system including six colloid cysts of the third ventricle, seven Rathke's cleft cysts in the sella, two enterogenous cysts in the posterior fossa, two epithelial cysts in the spinal canal and two neuroectodermal cysts in the cerebrum were examined immunohistochemically for expression of intermediate filament proteins-simple type, stratified type and skin type cytokeratins and GFAP. Colloid cysts of the third ventricle, Rathke's cleft cysts in the sella and epithelial cysts in the spinal canal expressed complex type cytokeratins while enterogenous cysts and neuro-ectodermal cysts showed only simple type cytokeratins. In addition, Rathke's cleft cysts expressed GFAP in occasional lining cells. The characteristic composition and distribution of cytokeratins in various kinds of epithelial cysts in the central nervous system are demonstrated and discussed with regard to their origins.

Adult↗

Clinical and morphological aspects of laryngeal cysts.

To our knowledge only a few defined studies have been carried out on laryngeal cysts. These cysts represent a mixed group of benign laryngeal lesions that can cause diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The aim of this study was to characterize their histological structure and localizations in the larynx as well as to discuss theories about their genesis. Between 1973 and 1996, 342 laryngeal cysts were treated at Phillips University of Marburg, while from 1990 to 1996, 74 were treated at Justus Liebig University of Giessen. In all, 416 laryngeal cysts were treated by endolaryngeal microsurgery. All clinical charts were reviewed retrospectively and surgical specimens examined histomorphologically. Findings showed that 58.2% of the laryngeal cysts were located in the glottic area and 18.3% in the ventricular folds. The remainder were located on the aryepiglottic fold (2.2%) and interarythenoid region (0.7%). Two congenital cysts were also treated. Approximately 56% of the laryngeal cysts were lined by squamous cell epithelium, 37% by respiratory epithelium and 7% by oncocytic epithelium. In general, the laryngeal cysts were found to be a collection of inhomogenous lesions from different histogenetic origins with diverse symptoms related to their site and size. On the basis of our investigations, a new classification was established concerning the genesis and development of laryngeal cysts by subdividing cysts into congenital cysts, retention cysts, and inclusion cysts.

Adolescent↗

A different approach to cysts of the posterior fossa.

Posterior fossa cysts are frequently identified on MR studies. This paper takes a different approach to analyzing these cysts based on the pathology of the cyst wall and the embryology of the hindbrain, choroid plexus, and meninges. The type of cyst depends on the histologic components of the cyst wall. Frequent types of posterior fossa cysts are arachnoid, Blake's pouch, and cysts associated with Dandy Walker malformation. All of these cysts may mimic the others in terms of position of the torcula, vermian abnormalities, and mass effect on the cerebellum and occipital bone. A clue to the nature of the cyst may be the position of the choroid plexus in the fourth ventricle; normal in arachnoid cyst, absent in Dandy Walker malformation, and displaced into the superior cyst wall in Blake's pouch. When the cyst wall histology is not known, it is suggested to use a descriptive term such as "retrocerebellar cyst".

Brain Diseases↗

Popliteal cysts in children: prevalence, appearance and associated findings at MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Baker's cysts on MR images in a paediatric orthopaedic population, to investigate the association of Baker's cyst with joint fluid and joint disorders in children, and to compare the MR appearance of Baker's cysts in children with that previously reported in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reports from 393 MR studies of the knee performed in children aged from 1 to 17 years were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of a Baker's cyst, joint effusion, meniscal tear, anterior cruciate ligament tear, or any other joint disorder. RESULTS: A Baker's cyst was identified in 6.3 % (25/393) of patients. The MR images and clinical charts of patients with a Baker's cyst were reviewed. None of the 25 patients with a Baker's cyst had an associated anterior cruciate ligament tear or meniscal tear. Two patients had osteochondritis dissecans and two others had synovial disease (infection and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Joint fluid was demonstrated in 16 % (4/25) of patients with a Baker's cyst. There was no statistically significant association between presence of a Baker's cyst and presence of joint fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Baker's cyst is less prevalent in a paediatric orthopaedic population than in an adult population. In children, it seems that Baker's cyst is seldom associated with joint fluid, meniscal tear, or anterior cruciate ligament tear. On MR images, a communication between the Baker's cyst and the joint was not demonstrated in any of the patients. In addition, the presence of debris and cyst leakage was not observed.

Adolescent↗

The clinico-anatomic explanation for tibial intraneural ganglion cysts arising from the superior tibiofibular joint.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that tibial intraneural ganglia in the popliteal fossa are derived from the posterior portion of the superior tibiofibular joint, in a mechanism similar to that of peroneal intraneural ganglia, which have recently been shown to arise from the anterior portion of the same joint. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study and prospective anatomic study. MATERIALS: The clinical records and MRI findings of three patients with tibial intraneural ganglion cysts were analyzed and compared with those of one patient with a tibial extraneural ganglion cyst and one volunteer. Seven cadaveric limbs were dissected to define the articular anatomy of the posterior aspect of the superior tibiofibular joint. RESULTS: The condition of the three patients with intraneural ganglia recurred because their joint connections were not identified initially. In two patients there was no cyst recurrence when the joint connection was treated at revision surgery; the third patient did not wish to undergo additional surgery. The one patient with an extraneural ganglion had the joint connection identified at initial assessment and had successful surgery addressing the cyst and the joint connection. Retrospective evaluation of the tibial intraneural ganglion cysts revealed stereotypic features, which allowed their accurate diagnosis and distinction from extraneural cases. The intraneural cysts had tubular (rather than globular) appearances. They derived from the postero-inferior portion of the superior tibiofibular joint and followed the expected course of the articular branch on the posterior surface of the popliteus muscle. The cysts then extended intra-epineurially into the parent tibial nerves, where they contained displaced nerve fascicles. The extraneural cyst extrinsically compressed the tibial nerve but did not directly involve it. All cadaveric specimens demonstrated a small single articular branch, which derived from the tibial nerve to the popliteus. The branch coursed obliquely across the posterior surface of the popliteus muscle before innervating the postero-inferior aspect of the superior tibiofibular joint. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical, MRI and anatomic features of tibial intraneural ganglion cysts are the posterior counterpart of the peroneal intraneural ganglion cysts arising from the anterior portion of the superior tibiofibular joint. These predictable features can be exploited and have implications for the pathogenesis of these intraneural cysts and treatment outcomes. These ganglion cysts are joint-related and provide further evidence to support the unifying articular theory. In each case the joint connection needs to be identified preoperatively, and the articular branches and the superior tibiofibular joint should be addressed operatively to prevent cyst recurrence.

Adult↗

Paraovarian cyst: MR imaging features.

BACKGROUND: Paraovarian cysts are common intrapelvic neoplasms, but the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of paraovarian cyst have never been reported. We investigated the spectrum of MR imaging features of paraovarian cyst. METHODS: MR images of 18 paraovarian cysts in 16 patients were reviewed retrospectively. MR images were evaluated for the size and location of paraovarian cysts, single or multicystic, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, and visualization of the normal ovary on the affected side. RESULTS: The normal ovary of the affected side was recognized in 13 lesions. Four of these 13 cysts were separated from the ipsilateral ovary. In seven cysts, the normal ovary was abutted by cysts but maintained its shape. In two cysts, the beak sign was recognized at the interface between the cyst and the ovary. Most other MR features were nonspecific. CONCLUSION: Most paraovarian cysts were homogeneous cystic masses near the ipsilateral round ligament and the uterus. Demonstration of a normal ipsilateral ovary close to, but separated from, the adnexal cyst may be an important MR finding for the diagnosis of paraovarian cysts.

Female↗

Subdural hygroma: an unwanted result of Sylvian arachnoid cyst marsupialization.

INTRODUCTION: Subdural hygroma is a known complication of Sylvian fissure arachnoid cysts (SACs). However, most of the data in the literature refer to spontaneous or posttraumatic occurrence of subdural hygromas, regarded as either a favorable or an unfavorable event. Little is known about this phenomenon as a consequence of the surgical management of SACs. The present study was carried out to evaluate the significance of postoperative subdural hygromas in children with temporal arachnoid cysts, who have been treated with craniotomy and wide marsupialization of the cystic membrane. CLINICAL MATERIAL AND RESULTS: Between 1980 and March 2002, 104 children were operated on for a SAC at the Pediatric Neurosurgical Unit of the Catholic University Medical School in Rome. Six patients (5.8%; boys/girls=4/2; mean age 3.28 years) developed a subdural hygroma postoperatively, which required further treatment. According to Galassi's classification 4 children had a Type III cyst and 2 children a Type II cyst. All the patients had previously been submitted to open marsupialization of their arachnoid cyst and extensive removal of the cyst wall. In 5 patients (Type III cyst: 4 patients; Type II cyst: 1 patient), acute or subacute symptoms and signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) developed at a temporal distance, varying from 5 days to 1 month (mean interval: 14.3 days). All these children needed surgical treatment for the hygroma. A subduro-peritoneal (SDP) shunt was implanted as the first step in 3 patients (Type III cyst: 2 patients; Type II cyst: 1 patient). In the remaining 2 patients of this group (Type III cysts) medical therapy was initially attempted (acetazolamide: 24 mg/kg) without any improvement in clinical manifestations; on these grounds an external spinal subarachnoid drainage was implanted, but led only to the transient clearance of symptoms. The direct drainage of the subdural collection (SDP shunt in 1 patient and temporary external subdural drainage in the other), was followed by complete clinical recovery in both cases. The last patient in this series showed a pathologic increase in head circumference during the 1st month after surgery for his arachnoid cyst, followed by a subsequent stabilization. A CT scan documented a subdural hygroma, which first of all increased in size, but stabilized 2 months after surgery. No surgical treatment was performed in this case. At a mean follow-up of 2.38 years (minimum: 1 month; maximum: 5 years) all the patients are in excellent clinical conditions. Complete neuroradiological resolution of the hygroma was observed in 2 of the 4 shunted patients, who have both been submitted to shunt removal (2 and 3 years after the implant respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It is our opinion that a wide opening of the external membrane of SACs may predispose the CSF fluid to accumulate within the subdural space, where its absorption is insufficient. A ball mechanism created by CSF pulsation may further increase the subdural fluid accumulation. Secondary distortion and occlusion at the level of the basal cisterns may also contribute to the persistence of the subdural fluid collection. Clinical manifestations may be transient, but frequently have a progressive course and the drainage of the subdural collection is, though transient, required in most cases. On these grounds we suggest the selective opening of the basal cisterns associated with a limited resection of the outer cyst walls in order to limit CSF access to the subdural space.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

Analysis of fluid in cysts accompanying various primary and metastatic brain tumours: proteins, lactate and pH.

There is a growing interest in cystic lesions of the brain. By examining the cyst content of brain tumours more insight into the pathogenesis of cyst formation has been found. In this study, 39 samples of cyst fluid of 34 patients with a cyst accompanying a brain tumour were collected and studied biochemically regarding their protein content, lactate and pH. In this study we investigated the relation between the grade of malignancy and the lactate-concentration and the discrepancy between the high levels of lactate in cysts and their alkaline environment. The results of the measurements of the concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulines (IgG, IgA, IgM) and alpha 2-macroglobulin in cysts compared to those in sera suggest that cyst formation associated with tumour is based upon a disruption of the blood-brain barrier with exudation of plasma proteins into the brain parenchyma resulting in accumulation of fluid (oedema) and eventually in formation of a cyst. There appears to be a positive relation between the grade of malignancy and the concentration of lactate in the cysts with a significant 2-fold increase in lactate concentration in malignant tumour cysts compared to the more benign tumour cysts (p < 0.001) probably on account of aerobic glycolysis with production of lactate by the tumour. The measured pH values in the cysts were above normal, resulting in a discrepancy of the high levels of lactate in the cyst with the alkaline environment and this suggests efflux of H(+)-ions by a Na/H exchange mechanism to compensate for the change of pH.

Alkalies↗

Spontaneous disappearance of temporo-frontal arachnoid cyst in a child.

We report a child with a large temporo-frontal arachnoid cyst which resolved spontaneously. There was no history of a head injury. The patient was a boy aged 1.6 years. Though a large head was pointed out (+2SD), no therapeutic intervention was made because the relationship of the head circumference and the cyst was not established. No change in cyst size was visualized on the follow-up CTs at the age of 2.5 years and 6 years. At the age of 7 years, the arachnoid cyst had completely disappeared on CT. In order not to overlook a minute change in cyst size, the volumetry of the cyst and the intracranial cavity was performed, using the Photoshop, Macintosh. Both the cyst volume and the volume ratio of the cyst to the intracranial cavity slightly decreased and then increased. It is speculated that the cyst spontaneously ruptured by factors such as extreme breath holding and crying on the presence of the higher intracystic tension which might become a factor to accelerate spontaneous rupture of the cyst. Since a number of paediatric cases of symptomatic arachnoid cysts in need of surgical intervention has been larger than that of adult cases, we can speculate that a large arachnoid cyst might spontaneously resolve more frequently than we had expected. This case demonstrates that the surgical treatment of asymptomatic arachnoid cyst in the middle cranial fossa is not necessarily indicated in children.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

Serum CA-125 in the evaluation of benign adnexal cysts.

Because serum CA-125 concentrations are increased in women with endometriosis, our objective was to determine whether CA-125 levels could be used to differentiate endometriotic from nonendometriotic benign cysts. During a 2-year period, all women who had an endometrioma (n = 33) or a nonendometriotic cyst (n = 27) that was greater than or equal to 4 cm were included. Serum CA-125 levels were measured by an immunoradiometric assay, and the mean concentrations in women with an endometriotic cyst increased as the diameter of the cyst increased. The mean CA-125 concentrations in women with cysts greater than or equal to 4 cm were 53 +/- 2 U/ml in 19 women with an endometriotic cyst, 11 +/- 1 U/ml in 20 women with a nonendometriotic cyst, and 15 +/- 1 U/ml in 7 women with a nonendometriotic cyst and endometriosis. In the fluid of 10 endometriomas, the mean CA-125 concentration was 290 +/- 94 X 10(3) U/ml (range 10 to 900 X 10(3) U/ml). With cysts diameters greater than or equal to 4 cm, 19 of 19 women with endometriotic cysts, zero of seven women with nonendometriotic cysts and endometriosis, and zero of 20 women with nonendometriotic cysts had CA-125 concentrations greater than or equal to 20 U/ml (99% upper normal limit). We conclude that serum CA-125 determinations offer an excellent method to differentiate endometriotic from nonendometriotic benign cysts.

Adult↗

Clinical assessment compared with cyst fluid analysis in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions in the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: In adults 80% to 90% of cystic lesions in the pancreas are pseudocysts and the remainder are mostly neoplastic cysts. To choose optimal treatment for an individual patient, exact nonoperative diagnosis would be preferable. This study was done to assess the value of cyst fluid analysis, compared with clinical and radiologic findings, in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with a cystic lesion in the pancreas underwent operation, cyst wall biopsy, and aspiration of cyst fluid. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP), and total protein concentration, amylase activity, and cytologic findings were studied. Final diagnosis was pseudocyst in 14 patients, serous cystadenoma in two, mucinous cystadenoma in two, and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in four patients. RESULTS: Clinical and radiologic judgment correctly differentiated pseudocysts and neoplastic cysts. Cyst fluid aspiration did not succeed in two patients with mucinous cystadenocarcinomas because of the high fluid viscosity. Cyst fluid amylase activity was high (greater than 16,000 IU/ml) in all but one pseudocyst and low (less than 83 IU/ml) in all but one neoplastic cyst. CEA level was lower in pseudocysts than in neoplastic cysts, but with an overlapping value between the groups. Mean CA 19-9 concentration was higher in pseudocysts than in neoplastic cysts, but with wide overlap between the groups. Pancreatitis-associated protein and total protein concentration and cystic fluid cytologic findings did not differ between various types of cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical judgment including careful history and radiologic studies seems to be the most reliable method of differentiating neoplastic pancreatic cysts from pseudocysts. Amylase and CEA levels give suggestive information, but cyst fluid analysis may be misleading in an individual patient.

Adult↗

Clinico-pathologic study of odontogenic cysts in a Mexican sample population.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cysts are uncommon lesions that frequently behave agressively and attain a large size. Unfortunately, information on the relative incidence of these cysts from different populations is not abundant. In Mexico, for example, only a few examples have been reported. The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency of odontogenic cysts in a Mexican sample and to compare these data with previously reported studies from other countries. METHODS: The files of the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Diagnosis Service at the School of Dentistry at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) were reviewed and all accessions of odontogenic cysts were listed. Clinical and radiographic data were recorded and microscopic slides evaluated according to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification (1992). RESULTS: Three hundred and four cases of odontogenic cysts (55.9% male predominance) were found. The most frequent odontogenic cysts were the following: periapical cyst (38. 8%); dentigerous cyst (35.5%), and odontogenic keratocyst (18.8%). Periapical cyst was more frequent in females, and maxillary anterior teeth were most commonly involved. Dentigerous cysts appeared in males at a rate of 64.8%, this cyst found more frequently between the 1st and 2nd decades of life and in the molar zone. Odontogenic keratocyst was more frequent in males (59.6%), between the 2nd and 4th decades of life and more common in the molar zone. CONCLUSIONS: More than 50% of the sample were aggressive cysts (dentigerous and keratocyst). Our results suggest that Mexican patients develop aggressive odontogenic cysts more commonly than other populations. Our figures point to the need for a precise diagnosis in order to institute the correct surgical procedure, prevent recurrence, and forestall more extensive tissue destruction.

Dental Health Surveys↗

Tamoxifen and ovarian cysts: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To prospectively follow a group of women with breast cancer on tamoxifen for the development of ovarian cysts. METHODS: 72 women were followed every 6 months with pelvic examination and vaginal ultrasound. Chi square and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The duration of treatment was 31.5+/-20 months. The mean age was 51.2+/-9.8 years. 55.6% were post-menopausal. Out of 72 women, 18 (25%) developed ovarian cysts. The mean age of women who developed ovarian cysts was significantly lower than in those who did not (47.0+/-7.0 and 52.5+/-10.2 years, respectively, P=0.03), however, the mean duration of treatment was not significantly different (33.3+/-17.4 and 29.3+/-20 months, respectively, P=0.45). Out of 32, 14 (43.8%) pre-menopausal and out of 40, 4 (10%) post-menopausal women developed ovarian cysts (P=0.003). They developed the cysts after an average duration of 33.3+/-18 and 50.7+/-6.2 months, respectively (P=0.7). The average diameter of the cysts was 2.8+/-1.2 cm. All cysts were simple except for one pre-menopausal women. All the cysts in post-menopausal women resolved spontaneously. One pre-menopausal patient had a multi-loculated cyst, was operated and had a serious cystadenoma. In nine patients, the cysts resolved spontaneously and in three after discontinuation of tamoxifen, and one patient was lost to follow-up. All cysts were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Ovarian cysts frequently develop in women with breast cancer on tamoxifen. The majority of the cysts resolve spontaneously, therefore an expectant management with follow-up ultrasonography is recommended.

Adult↗

Popliteal cysts in adults: a review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, imaging, differential diagnosis, complications, and treatment of popliteal cysts. METHODS: References were taken from MEDLINE from 1985 to 1998 under the subject "Popliteal Cyst" with subheadings of Radiography, Ultrasonography, and Radionuclide Imaging. Other pertinent references were used. Childhood cysts were excluded. RESULTS: Depending on the studied population and the imaging technique, 5% to 32% of knee problems may have these cysts, with 2 age-incidence peaks of 4 to 7 years and 35 to 70 years. In older patients there is usually coexistent joint pathology. Symptoms may arise in the popliteal fossa from the cyst itself or be dominated by knee pain from coexisting knee pathology. Many cysts are asymptomatic. Physical examination will miss one half of these cysts. Pathogenesis depends on the connection between the joint and bursa, with a valvelike effect allowing passage of fluid from the joint into the bursa with subsequent distention producing these cysts. Some bursae have no such joint-bursal communication, and the cysts arise primarily as bursitis of the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa. Imaging is performed by plain x-ray, ultrasound, arthrography, computerized axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or nuclear scan; sonography is the method of choice. Complicated cysts with extension or rupture into the calf mimic phlebitis, an important differential diagnosis. Asymptomatic cysts found incidentally need no treatment; most symptomatic cysts respond to intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Surgical excision is rarely necessary. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Popliteal cysts are fairly common, may not be found on physical examination, require imaging (preferably sonography) to be identified, mimic phlebitis when extending into the calf, and often respond to intra-articular steroid or, rarely, surgical resection.

Adult↗

Ovarian cyst formation following GnRH agonist administration in IVF cycles: incidence and impact.

BACKGROUND: The formation of functional ovarian cysts has been recognized as one of the side effects of GnRH agonist administration. The formation of cysts during IVF treatment may be of no clinical significance or may negatively influence its outcome. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of ovarian cyst formation following GnRH agonist administration and to examine their effect on IVF outcome. METHODS: A prospective study of 1317 IVF patients who developed one or more functional ovarian cysts of >or=15 mm following GnRH agonist treatment was performed. Transvaginal ultrasonographic-guided cyst aspiration was carried out in 76 randomly allocated patients out of 122 patients who were found to have functional ovarian cysts before starting ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. RESULTS: The incidence of follicular cyst formation was 9.3%. Cyst cycles in comparison with non-cyst cycles had significantly elevated day 3 basal FSH (mean+/-SD of 8.3+/-3.2 versus 5.3+/-2.6 mIU/ml, P<0.05) and required more ampoules of gonadotropins (46.3+/-16.5 versus 35+/-14.6, P<0.01). Furthermore, they showed a statistically significant decrease in the quality and number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, number and quality of embryos, implantation and pregnancy rates, with a significant increase in cancellation and abortion rates. Patients with bilateral cysts had a significantly lower number of oocytes and embryos retrieved, with a lower proportion of metaphase II oocytes. They also had a higher proportion of poor quality embryos. Cyst aspiration was not associated with a significant difference in the above parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cyst formation during GnRH agonist treatment is lower than previously reported. In such cases, the quality of oocytes and embryos were significantly compromised, with a significant increase in the cycle cancellation rate and a decrease in the implantation and pregnancy rates. Neither conservative management nor cyst aspiration improved the IVF outcome.

Abortion, Induced↗