I saw the sign: Go nuts, it's the "acorn cyst" sign

Clin Imaging. 2023 Aug:100:60-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.05.002. Epub 2023 May 16.

Abstract

The "acorn cyst" sign is an imaging sign encountered on breast ultrasound exams denoting a type of benign complicated cyst. An acorn cyst is comprised of a deep anechoic fluid portion (the "acorn") and a more superficial echogenic layer of material (the "acorn cap"). Radiologists should attempt to distinguish the acorn cyst from more suspicious complex cystic and solid masses; if unable to do so, aspiration/biopsy can be performed to exclude a malignant lesion.

Keywords: Acorn cyst; Breast imaging; Breast ultrasound; Complex cystic and solid mass; Complicated cyst.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Breast
  • Cysts* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Nuts*
  • Ultrasonography