Cysts of the ejaculatory system: a report of two cases

Toshihiro Yanai1, Tadaharu Okazaki, Atsuyuki Yamataka

  • 1Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan. t-yanai@med.juntendo.ac.jp

Insights

Rare cystic dilatations of the ejaculatory system can cause recurrent epididymo-orchitis (E-O) in children. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including vasoligation, are crucial for successful outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Cystic dilatations of the ejaculatory system are rare congenital anomalies.
  • Recurrent epididymo-orchitis (E-O) in prepubertal children can have various etiologies.

Observation:

  • Two cases of prepubertal boys with recurrent E-O are presented.
  • Both cases involved retrovesical cysts associated with ejaculatory duct abnormalities.
  • Case 1 had a fused ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle mass with cystic dilatation; Case 2 had a cyst communicating with the ejaculatory ducts and causing vasal reflux.

Findings:

  • Surgical excision of the ejaculatory duct cyst with vasoligation resolved symptoms in Case 1.
  • Vasoligation alone, without cyst excision, successfully managed recurrent E-O in Case 2.
  • Histopathology in Case 1 revealed a metaplastic epithelial lesion within the cyst.

Implications:

  • Cysts of the ejaculatory system should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent E-O in young children.
  • A high index of suspicion and appropriate diagnostic imaging are recommended for timely diagnosis.
  • Management strategies may involve cyst excision or vasoligation, depending on the specific anatomy and presentation.

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