What is the diagnosis for a palpable mass on the right wrist with severe arthritic changes and a cystic structure along the radial volar aspect, as identified on a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan?

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Last updated: April 22, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

The patient's MRI findings are most consistent with a ganglion or synovial cyst on the radial volar aspect of the wrist, and given the absence of suspicious features for malignancy, such as abnormal enhancing mural nodules, the initial approach should focus on managing symptoms and monitoring for any changes in the cyst's characteristics. The cyst's peripheral enhancement and potential septation are notable, but in the context of the provided evidence, particularly from the American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria 1, MRI is deemed appropriate for diagnosing such conditions, including occult ganglion cysts. The severe arthritic changes, cystic changes, and edema in the lunate bone also require attention, potentially involving anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, splinting, or more advanced interventions depending on symptom severity.

Key points from the MRI findings include:

  • The presence of a cystic structure along the radial volar aspect of the wrist, consistent with a ganglion or synovial cyst
  • Peripheral enhancement of the cyst with no abnormal enhancing mural nodules
  • Severe arthritic changes involving the right wrist
  • Cystic changes and edema involving the lunate bone
  • Intact extensor and flexor tendons without evidence of tear, significant tendinopathy, or tenosynovitis

Given these findings and the evidence from 1 and 2, which support the use of MRI and potentially ultrasound for evaluating soft-tissue masses and ganglion cysts, the most appropriate next step would be to manage the patient's symptoms, possibly through aspiration of the cyst if it is causing significant discomfort or functional impairment, and to address the underlying arthritis. The role of ultrasound, as discussed in 2, could be considered for further evaluation or guidance during aspiration, given its utility in assessing superficial soft-tissue masses and confirming fluid content in suspected ganglion cysts. However, the primary approach, based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, should prioritize symptom management and monitoring, with surgical excision considered if the cyst becomes problematic or if conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms.

From the Research

MRI Findings

  • The MRI scan of the right wrist revealed a cystic structure along the radial volar aspect with peripheral enhancement, consistent with a ganglion or synovial cyst 3.
  • The cyst may be septated, but no abnormal enhancing mural nodules were found.
  • Severe arthritic changes were observed in the right wrist, including cystic changes and edema involving the lunate bone.
  • No fractures were detected in the carpal bones, distal radius, or ulna.
  • The extensor and flexor tendons appeared intact, with no evidence of tear, significant tendinopathy, or tenosynovitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • The palpable abnormality on the radial volar aspect of the wrist is consistent with a ganglion or synovial cyst 3.
  • The treatment for a symptomatic ganglion cyst may involve surgical excision of the cyst itself, while therapy for a synovial cyst should focus on identifying and correcting any coexisting intra-articular disease 3.
  • In some cases, synovial cysts may regress after oral anti-inflammatory therapy or local steroid injection, suggesting that inflammation suppression may play a role in their regression 4.

MRI Technology

  • MRI scans use magnetism and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the body 5.
  • MRI-only treatment planning has benefits, such as improved accuracy of target delineation, but also presents challenges, including patient motion during image acquisition and geometric accuracy of images 6.
  • MRI is a valuable tool in the evaluation of primary brain tumors, offering superior image resolution, speed of acquisition, and a high safety profile for patients 7.

References

Guideline

acr appropriateness criteria<sup>®</sup> chronic wrist pain.

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2018

Guideline

acr appropriateness criteria<sup>®</sup> soft-tissue masses.

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2018

Research

What is an MRI scan and what can it do?

Drug and therapeutics bulletin, 2011

Research

MRI-only treatment planning: benefits and challenges.

Physics in medicine and biology, 2018

Research

Role of MRI in primary brain tumor evaluation.

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.