Midline omphalovesical anomalies in children: contribution of ultrasound imaging

Based on reports of 9 surgically proven cases, the authors stress the contribution of high-resolution sonography in the work-up of omphalovesical midline anomalies in children. Sonography (US) proved useful, especially in disorders of urachal patency (cystic mass and sinus type of the malformation). In the cystic-type mass (3 cases), a midabdominal echogenic cystic mass was demonstrated. The echogenic content resulted from infectious complication. In the sinus type, an echogenic, thickened, tubular omphalovesical tract (8-15 mm) was visualized. This tubular configuration results from the normal omphalovesical anatomy, as can be demonstrated by high-resolution US. With infection, the fascia surrounding the urachal remnants seems to limit the infection. Differential diagnosis should include vesical duplications anomalies, dystrophic calcifications of the umbilical arteries remnants, and, in case of a solid mass, urachal carcinoma. Ultrasound should be part of the work-up of any suspected urachal or other midline anomaly.