Subpubic cartilaginous pseudocyst: orthopedic feature with urological consequences

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Pathology

Background:

• Masses adjacent to the female urethra can cause obstructive urinary symptoms.
• Subpubic cartilaginous pseudocyst is a rare degenerative lesion of the pubic symphysis that may present with these symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on two cases of subpubic cartilaginous pseudocyst presenting with obstructive urinary symptoms.
• To highlight the diagnostic findings and successful surgical management of this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Two female patients presenting with difficult micturition and dyspareunia underwent physical examination, cystoscopy, and MRI.
• Surgical excision and histopathologic assessment were performed.
• Follow-up included clinical and radiological evaluation.

Main Results:

• Physical examination revealed a cystic mass causing urethral meatus deviation. MRI confirmed a midline cystic mass anterosuperior to the urethra.
• Histopathology confirmed degenerated hyaline suggestive of cartilaginous subpubic pseudocyst.
• Both patients experienced symptom resolution and successful voiding post-surgery with no recurrence at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Subpubic cartilaginous pseudocysts are rare benign lesions causing urological and gynecological manifestations.
• Surgical excision is necessary for sizable lesions causing severe urethral compression to restore voiding function.