[Cystic adventitial degeneration of the radial artery: wrist swelling of unexpected origin].

BACKGROUND Cystic adventitial degeneration (CAD) of an artery is a rare disease in which a mucinous cyst is formed in the adventitia. The condition usually occurs in the popliteal artery, but in rarer cases in arteries of the forearm, where it may lead to symptoms caused by local swelling or arterial occlusion. CASE DESCRIPTION A 54-year-old woman was referred by her general practitioner for a wrist swelling. This was initially thought to be caused by a ganglion but after ultrasound and MRI, it was found to be CAD of the radial artery. The symptoms recurred after transcutaneous aspiration of the cyst. This was followed by surgical resection with venous graft reconstruction. CONCLUSION In rare cases, swelling of the wrist is caused by CAD. Ultrasound and, if necessary, MRI will lead to a reliable diagnosis. Treatment consists of transcutaneous aspiration and, in case of recurrence, surgical resection.