pseudocyst

Pronunciation: sū′dō-sist

Definition:

1. An accumulation of fluid in a cystlike loculus, but without an epithelial or other membranous lining.
2. A cyst the wall of which is formed by a host cell and not by a parasite.
3. A mass of 50 or more Toxoplasma bradyzoites, found within a host cell, frequently in the brain; formerly called a pseudocyst, but now considered a true cyst enclosed in its own membrane within the host cell that may rupture to release particles that form new cysts, and apparently is infective to another vertebrate host.

Synonym(s): adventitious cyst, false cyst

[pseudo- + G. kystis, bladder]

See Also: bradyzoite

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