Chemical components of jelly-like matrix in digital mucous cyst

Abstract

Summary Jelly‐like matrix taken from a lesion of digital mucous cyst (DMC) was analysed with cellulose acetate paper electrophoresis and an enzymatic digestion‐high performance liquid chromato‐graph method and compared qualitatively and quantitatively with that from a ganglion. The ratio of glycoconjugate to the total solid components was extremely high in matrix from DMC, while only less than 1% in that from ganglion. In the former the greater part of glycoconjugate was glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) consisting mainly of hyaluronic acid, while in the latter glycoprotein dominated and the amount of GAGs was very small.

Digital Mucous Cysts

“…11,24 Clear, gelatinous, viscous fluid that stains positive for hyaluronic acid can be extruded with opening of a DMC in many cases. 1,45 Nails Nail dystrophies are noted in 24% of patients. 22,55 They may be noted up to 6 months prior to the appearance of the DMC.…”

“…DMCs can be of the myxomatous (superficial) type, with growth owing to metaplasia of dermal fibroblasts leading to excess production of hyaluronic acid, 43,44 the viscous fluid extruded with opening of the cyst. 45 Such pathogenesis is independent of the adjacent joint and is considered a focal cutaneous mucinosis. 44 A second process occurs in DMCs of the ganglion (deep) type, formed by leakage of hyaluronic acid that is transported via a pedicle connecting a degenerative joint and cyst.…”

“…11,24 Clear, gelatinous, viscous fluid that stains positive for hyaluronic acid can be extruded with opening of a DMC in many cases. 1,45…”

Multiple Black Nodules on the Thumb

“…The pathogenesis of the cysts is not yet clear. Three hypotheses have been proposed: (1) origin from trauma or ir¬ ritation, which would correspond with the patient's history as a milker; (2) origin from synovial tissue, which, in our case, would correspond to the histologie findings resembling syn¬ ovial structures (Fig 4) (it could be demonstrated, however, that the biochemical composition of these cysts differed from a ganglion2); or (3) degeneration of connective tissue, which could be seen in the histologie material from our patient. The cysts often recur; therefore, careful surgical removal is necessary.…”