Objective To investigate the effect of Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid(EgCF) on the cytoskeletal rearrangement and phagocytosis and the migration of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Methods Peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 mice were isolated and cultured in vitro, and divided into control group and LPS group and LPS combined with EgCF group. After 48 hours of treatment, filamentous actin (F-actin) changes were observed with rhodamine-labelled phalloidin staining and fluorescence microscopy; Transwell^TM chamber was used to test cell migration ability and flow cytometry to test cell phagocytosis. After 1 hour of treatment, PI3K and AKT, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), Rac1, guanosine triphospho-Rac1 (GTP-Rac1), WASP and Arp2 protein expressions were detected with Western blot analysis. Results Compared with the control group, after LPS stimulation, macrophages were deformed significantly; pseudopodia increased; actin cytoskeleton increased and was more distributed in pseudopodia; the ability of migration and phagocytosis were significantly improved, and the expression of PI3K, p-AKT, GTP-Rac1, WASP and Arp2 proteins significantly increased. EgCF treatment caused cell shrinkage and disappearance of pseudopodia protrusions of LPS-activated cells, and led to the reduced phagocytic and migratory of cells; the protein expression of PI3K, p-AKT, GTP-Rac1, WASP and Arp2 decreased significantly compared with the LPS group. Conclusion LPS induces the migration and enhances phagocytosis of macrophages while EgCF inhibits these effects, which is related to actin cytoskeleton rearrangement.
Mice ; Animals ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Echinococcus granulosus/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; Cyst Fluid/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Phagocytosis ; Actins/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Guanosine Triphosphate/pharmacology*

Cysticercosis, a parasitic disease caused by Taenia solium metacestode (TsM), has a major global public health impact in terms of disability-adjusted life years. The parasite preferentially infects subcutaneous tissue, but may invade the central nervous system, resulting in neurocysticercosis (NC). NC is an important neglected tropical disease and an emerging disease in industrialized countries due to immigration from endemic areas. The prevalence of taeniasis in Korea declined from 0.3%–12.7% during the 1970s to below 0.02% since the 2000s. A survey conducted from 1993 to 2006 revealed that the percentage of tested samples with high levels of specific anti-TsM antibody declined from 8.3% to 2.2%, suggesting the continuing occurrence of NC in Korea. Modern imaging modalities have substantially improved the diagnostic accuracy of NC, and recent advances in the molecular biochemical characterization of the TsM cyst fluid proteome also significantly strengthened NC serodiagnosis. Two glycoproteins of 150 and 120 kDa that induce strong antibody responses against sera from patients with active-stage NC have been elucidated. The 150 kDa protein showed hydrophobic-ligand binding activities and might be critically involved in the acquisition of host-derived lipid molecules. Fasciclin and endophilin B1, both of which play roles in the homeostatic functions of TsM, showed fairly high antibody responses against calcified NC cases. NC is now controllable and manageable. Further studies should focus on controlling late-onset intractable seizures and serological diagnosis of NC patients infected with few worms. This article briefly overviews diagnostic approaches and discusses current issues relating to NC serodiagnosis.
Antibody Formation ; Central Nervous System ; Cyst Fluid ; Cysticercosis ; Developed Countries ; Diagnosis ; Emigration and Immigration ; Glycoproteins ; Humans ; Immunologic Tests ; Korea ; Neurocysticercosis ; Parasites ; Parasitic Diseases ; Prevalence ; Proteome ; Public Health ; Republic of Korea ; Seizures ; Serologic Tests ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Taenia solium ; Taenia ; Taeniasis

The authors present two cases in which the ruptured popliteal (Baker's) cysts remained undetected and were diagnosed only during an isotope investigation. The aim was to describe a specific imaging sign, the “arch sign”, that is indicative of ruptured Baker's cysts. In both cases, the whole-body imaging was performed 2 hours after injection of 706.7 MBq of Tc-99m-MDP. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging was performed to localize an accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical. An analysis of literature was performed to connect these cases with previously reported data and to detect the pathognomonic radio image sign of ruptured popliteal cysts. The arch-shaped distribution of the radiopharmaceutical below the knee joints was seen already on the whole-body bone scan image in both cases. An anterior view of SPECT MIP images showed the arched accumulation of the Tc-99m-MDP bone tracer along the postero-medial aspect of the right calf secondary to synovial fluid leak from a ruptured Baker's cyst. The similar arthroscintigrams were published since 1971 without recognizing this sign as pathognomonic. Tc-99m-MDP bone scanning is sensitive for a Baker's cyst with synovial effusion, and distribution of a radiopharmaceutical in the medial posterior calf in a shape of an arch, the arch sign, may serve as an indicator of a ruptured popliteal cyst.
Knee Joint ; Popliteal Cyst ; Synovial Fluid ; Tomography, Emission-Computed ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings of ganglion cysts with effusion in the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath around the hallux to evaluate their origin. METHODS: Patients with recurrent or painful ganglion cysts around the hallux with effusion in the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath who underwent surgical treatment at St. Vincent's Hospital from February 2007 to August 2016 were investigated. Surgical indication was a painful or recurrent mass caused by the cystic lesions. Those without effusion of the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath were excluded. We assessed the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in all patients showed several ganglion cysts around the hallux and large fluid accumulations within the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath. Regarding the location, six ganglion cysts were on the dorsomedial aspect, one on the plantar medial aspect, seven on the plantar lateral aspect, and one in the toe pulp. Ten patients showed joint effusions in both the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, two in the metatarsophalangeal joints, and three in the interphalangeal joints. There were communication stalks with a tail shape or abutment between ganglion cysts with surrounding joint effusions. Intraoperatively, connections between ganglion cysts, the synovial cyst of the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath, and surrounding joints were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Synovial fluid accumulation in the metatarsophalangeal or interphalangeal joint supplies the synovial cyst of the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath and subsequently ganglion cysts in the hallux. In clinical practice, the surgeon should carefully check surrounding joints with tendon sheaths to prevent recurrence of the ganglion cysts around the hallux.
Equipment and Supplies ; Ganglion Cysts* ; Hallux* ; Humans ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint ; Recurrence ; Synovial Cyst ; Synovial Fluid ; Tail ; Tendons* ; Toes

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the value of cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in combination with cytology and viscosity for the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cysts. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our data for patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and cyst fluid analysis. We investigated the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the combination of cyst fluid CEA, cytology and viscosity testing. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients underwent EUS-FNA and cyst fluid analysis. Of these, 48 subjects were histologically and clinically confirmed to have pancreatic cysts and were therefore included in the analysis. Receiver operator curve analysis demonstrated that the optimal cutoff value of cyst fluid CEA for differentiating mucinous versus nonmucinous cystic lesions was 48.6 ng/mL. The accuracy of cyst fluid CEA (39/48, 81.3%) was greater than the accuracy of cytology (23/45, 51.1%) or the string sign (33/47, 70.2%). Cyst fluid CEA in combination with cytology and string sign assessment exhibited the highest accuracy (45/48, 93.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Cyst fluid CEA was the most useful single test for identifying mucinous pancreatic cysts. The addition of cytology and string sign assessment to cyst fluid CEA increased the overall accuracy for the diagnosis of mucinous pancreatic cysts.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen* ; Cyst Fluid* ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration ; Humans ; Mucins* ; Pancreatic Cyst* ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Viscosity*

This review highlights new developments in the field of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Studies pertinent to pancreatic cyst diagnosis by morphology, namely diagnostic accuracies of various criteria such as pancreatic cyst size, pancreatic duct size, mural nodules and use of EUS contrast agent are discussed. Tissue acquisition during EUS using a novel brush for cytology as well as microforceps is explored further. The role of multiple emerging molecular markers such as CEA, BRAF, KRAS, and GNAS, to name a few, is covered in detail. Recent developments relating to the utility of micro-RNAs in the analysis of cyst fluid is explored. Needle based confocal laser endomicroscopy for pancreatic cyst imaging is a recent development, and findings from recent trials are discussed. Furthermore, recent data regarding the role of ablative therapies using alcohol, paclitaxel and radiofrequency ablation of cyst is covered. Also, given the multiplicity of guidelines regarding management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms, we discuss the merits and shortcoming of these guidelines.
Biomarkers ; Catheter Ablation ; Cyst Fluid ; Diagnosis* ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration ; Needles ; Paclitaxel ; Pancreatic Cyst* ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; Ultrasonography

Pancreatic malignancy is the third leading cause of cancer related death in the United States with limited viable screening options. By the end of this decade, cancers are poised to become the leading cause of death with pancreatic cancer projected to be the second leading cause of cancer related mortality. Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are found in approximately 5%–14% of patients due to the increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging, with approximately 8%–10% of pancreatic cancers originating as PCLs. Current screening guidelines have shown discrepancies between morphologic characteristics of PCLs and identifying advanced pancreatic disease. Molecular analysis has emerged as a novel technology to aid in adequate diagnosis and management decisions of PCLs. Mucinous cysts including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) or mucinous cystic neoplasms have similar oncogenic mutations including KRAS, TP53, SMAD4, PIK3CA, PTEN, or CKDN2A, while GNAS and RNF43 mutations are specific only to IPMNs. Serous cystadenomas have been associated with a loss of tumor suppressor gene VHL, while solid-psuedopapillary neoplasms have an oncogenic mutation CTNNB1. A specific molecular marker to diagnose existing high-grade dysplasia or impending malignant transformation is yet to be identified. Moving forward it is important to advance technology in isolating and identifying high-risk molecular markers from cyst fluid while considering their increased utilization in the evaluation of PCLs.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; Cause of Death ; Cyst Fluid ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; Diagnosis ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Loss of Heterozygosity ; Mass Screening ; Mortality ; Mucins ; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous ; Pancreatic Cyst* ; Pancreatic Diseases ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; United States

We report on a rare case involving a 23-year-old female patient with mediastinal cystic mass complicated with acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade. Pericardial fluid demonstrated lymphocyte-predominant exudate and the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was unexpectedly elevated. Successive aspiration of mediastinal cystic mass revealed a very high level of CEA (>100,000 U/mL) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (>15,000 ng/mL). This patient was clinically diagnosed as an infected bronchogenic cyst complicated with pericarditis and cardiac tamponade. The treatment resulted in alleviation of her symptoms.
Bronchogenic Cyst* ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Cardiac Tamponade ; Exudates and Transudates ; Female ; Humans ; Mediastinal Cyst ; Pericardial Effusion* ; Pericardial Fluid ; Pericarditis ; Young Adult

We report on a rare case involving a 23-year-old female patient with mediastinal cystic mass complicated with acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade. Pericardial fluid demonstrated lymphocyte-predominant exudate and the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was unexpectedly elevated. Successive aspiration of mediastinal cystic mass revealed a very high level of CEA (>100,000 U/mL) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (>15,000 ng/mL). This patient was clinically diagnosed as an infected bronchogenic cyst complicated with pericarditis and cardiac tamponade. The treatment resulted in alleviation of her symptoms.
Bronchogenic Cyst ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Cardiac Tamponade ; Exudates and Transudates ; Female ; Humans ; Mediastinal Cyst ; Pericardial Effusion ; Pericardial Fluid ; Pericarditis ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: To report a case of sclerocorneal cyst found in a 4-year-old female following strabismus surgery treated with cyst wall excision and scleral graft. CASE SUMMARY: A 4-year-old female with a history of strabismus surgery performed 1.5 year prior presented with a whitish lesion in cornea and sclera which developed 1 month ago. Slit-lamp examination revealed a 4.2 x 3.5 mm-sized cyst at the superotemporal part of the cornea, extending into the sclera at 3-o'clock. Cyst fluid, precipitate aspiration, and cyst wall excision were performed. Scleral patch graft was used to cover the scleral defects after excision. Upon histopathological examination, the cyst wall was lined with nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium and numerous degenerated epithelial cells were present in the cyst aspirate. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerocorneal cyst can rarely develop following trauma or surgery. In this report, the sclerocorneal cyst, possibly induced by previous strabismus surgery, was treated successfully without recurrence using cyst wall resection.
Child, Preschool* ; Cornea ; Cyst Fluid ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium ; Female ; Humans ; Recurrence ; Sclera ; Strabismus ; Transplants