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Urethral caruncle with coexistence of intestinal heterotopia. A case report

S Urakami1, M Igawa, H Shiina

  • 1Department of Urology, Shimane Medical University, Enya-cho Izumo, Japan.

International Urology and Nephrology
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Urethral caruncle, a common postmenopausal disorder, can present with intestinal heterotopia. This case highlights metaplasia in urethral epithelium preceding this rare finding.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecologic Pathology
  • Urologic Pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Pathology

Background:

  • Urethral caruncle is a common benign polypoid growth of the distal urethra, typically affecting postmenopausal women.
  • Intestinal heterotopia, the presence of gastrointestinal tissue in an abnormal location, is an extremely rare finding in urethral caruncles.

Observation:

  • This report details a unique case of urethral caruncle with coexisting intestinal heterotopia.
  • Histopathological examination revealed significant findings including lymphocytic infiltration, invagination of urethral transitional epithelium with nest and lumen formation, hypervascularity, and telangiectasia.
  • These features suggest a metaplastic process in the transitional epithelium preceding the development of intestinal heterotopia.

Findings:

  • The study identifies metaplasia of the transitional epithelium as a potential precursor to intestinal heterotopia within a urethral caruncle.
  • The observed histological features provide insight into the pathogenesis of this rare condition.

Implications:

  • Understanding the metaplastic pathway may aid in diagnosing and managing urethral caruncles with heterotopic elements.
  • Further research into the etiology and clinical significance of urethral caruncle with intestinal heterotopia is warranted.

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