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Ureteric cyst: an unusual abdominal mass
S R Awan1, M T Corbally, E J Guiney
1Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
Summary
Pediatric abdominal cystic masses can be confusing. A rare case of a non-communicating ureteric cyst associated with a blind ending ureter recurred after drainage, indicating operative resection is preferred.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Abdominal cystic masses in children are uncommon and can be diagnostically challenging, often originating from mesenteric or intestinal structures.
- While rare, cystic dilatation of a blind ending ureter represents an unusual cause of such masses.
- Over 100 cases of blind ending ureters have been documented, with varying management strategies.
Observation:
- This report details a specific case of a non-communicating ureteric cyst linked to a blind ending ureter in a child.
- The cyst initially underwent percutaneous drainage but subsequently recurred.
- The recurrent nature of the lesion necessitated a different treatment approach.
Findings:
- Percutaneous drainage, while used for various abdominal cysts, proved insufficient for this specific ureteric cyst.
- The non-communicating ureteric cyst demonstrated recurrence post-drainage, highlighting limitations of minimally invasive techniques in select cases.
- Operative resection was ultimately required for definitive management of the recurrent cyst.
Implications:
- This case suggests that operative excision, rather than percutaneous drainage, may be the optimal treatment for recurrent non-communicating ureteric cysts.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering rare etiologies like blind ending ureters in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal cystic masses.
- Further experience with such rare urological anomalies is needed to refine management guidelines for pediatric abdominal masses.