Sonography of Nabothian cysts

Retention cysts of the cervix (nabothian cysts) are common gynecologic findings that have not been previously reported in the sonographic literature. Experience with 25 cases is presented. Cyst size varied from 6 to 20 mm. Most cysts (14/25) were multiple and most (17/25) were eccentric in relation to the cervical canal. Cysts within 1 cm of the external os were classified as "low" (10/25); those cranial to this level were "high" (15/25). Six patients had both high and low cysts. Many of the cysts (9/25) caused enlargement of the cervix. Representative cases are presented with a discussion of the pathogenesis of nabothian cysts and their clinical significance.