Urachal Cyst Diagnosed by Point-of-care Ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Irreducible umbilical swelling in infants is a potential surgical emergency.
• Delayed treatment of incarcerated umbilical hernias can result in bowel ischemia and necrosis.

Observation:

• Two infants presented to a pediatric emergency department with irreducible umbilical masses.
• Symptoms were suggestive of incarcerated umbilical hernias.

Findings:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was utilized at the bedside.
• POCUS demonstrated the presence of urachal cyst remnants in both patients.
• This imaging modality accurately guided the management of these pediatric cases.

Implications:

• POCUS can be a valuable tool in the rapid diagnosis of umbilical abnormalities in infants.
• Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent surgical delays and potential complications.
• This case series highlights the utility of POCUS in pediatric emergency settings for evaluating umbilical masses.