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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Radiol Imaging
DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1817799
Case Report

Ultrasound Diagnosis of a Ganglion Cyst of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon: A Case Report

Authors

  • Adel Ibrahim Azzam 

    1   Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

  • Saad Ghanem 

    1   Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

  • Taha Ibrahim Aladrosy 

    1   Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Background

Ganglion cysts are benign, fluid-filled masses that are commonly found in the spinoglenoid and suprascapular notches of the shoulder. However, they are seldom seen in proximity to the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT).

Case Presentation

We introduce an exceptionally uncommon cause of severe shoulder discomfort: a ganglion cyst located within the joint of the LHBT, which was inadvertently identified as stemming from the bicipital groove. This unusual biceps tendon ganglion cyst was discovered during a routine ultrasound examination of the shoulder, characterized through ultrasonography, and later validated through arthroscopy.

Conclusion

This case underscores the increasing importance for rheumatologists and physiatrists to familiarize themselves with bedside ultrasound and recognize its value as an enhancement to standard musculoskeletal assessments.

Keywords

ganglion cysts - long head of the biceps tendon - shoulder pain

Author Contributions

A.I.A. and S.G. were involved in performing the ultrasound examinations. A.I.A. and S.G. were involved in literature review and manuscript preparation. T.I.A. was involved in manuscript revision. All authors have read and approved the manuscript.


Availability of Data and Materials

All data and material will be provided by authors upon reasonable request.


Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

There was a waiver of ethical approval because it was not required by the institution for case reports.


Consent for Publication

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images.




Publication History

Article published online:
09 March 2026

© 2026. Indian Radiological Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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