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[Echographic features of urachal cysts]
F Contin1, F Cappellari, P Campobasso
1Istituto di Radiologia, Ospedale Regionale, Vicenza.
La Radiologia Medica
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Urachal cysts in pediatric patients are best diagnosed using ultrasound (US). This imaging technique accurately identifies urachal cysts and guides treatment for infected cases, proving more effective than CT or cystography.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Urachal remnants can develop into urachal cysts, a rare congenital anomaly in children.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, especially in cases of infection or complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the ultrasonographic (US) features of urachal cysts in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of US compared to other imaging modalities.
- To highlight the role of US in guiding percutaneous drainage for infected cysts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5 pediatric cases of urachal cysts confirmed surgically.
- Detailed review of clinical presentations and ultrasonographic findings using linear and convex probes (3.75-7.5 MHz).
- Comparison of US findings with cystography and CT scans.
Main Results:
- Urachal cysts typically presented as oval, non-mobile lesions (3-6 cm) in the ventral-epivesical region.
- US demonstrated diverse echotextures: liquid with hyperechoic deposits (2 cases) or inhomogeneous solid/complex (3 suppurated cases).
- Ultrasonography showed high accuracy in lesion detection and was instrumental in guiding percutaneous drainage for infected cysts.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a highly accurate and valuable tool for diagnosing pediatric urachal cysts.
- US effectively differentiates urachal cysts from other differential diagnoses and guides interventional procedures.
- Cystography and CT scans were found to be less useful for evaluating urachal cysts in this cohort.