MRI of Ganglion Cysts in Uncommon Sites or with Atypical Appearance

Ganglion cysts are common lesions which are most often found around the hands and feet. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is seldom performed; cysts are identified incidentally on MR images obtained for the purpose of evaluating other disorders. Clinically complicated ganglions are often confused with other more serious tumors, and MR examination is thus requested. Ganglions arising from uncommon sites or showing unusual MR findings can lead to wrong diagnosis. Thus, a thorough knowledge of potential sites and of the MR findings of unusual ganglion cysts can prevent mistake s. We therefore describe the MR findings of unusual ganglion cysts, including complicated ganglions, cruciate ligament ganglion cysts, meniscal cysts, labral cysts, ganglions in shoulder notches and tarsal tunnels, and intermuscular ganglion cysts.