skene duct cyst

Paraurethral duct cysts are retention cysts that form secondary to inflammatory obstruction of the paraurethral (Skene) ducts in females.

Pathology

The cysts are lined by stratified squamous epithelium due to their origin from the urogenital sinus.

Clinical presentation

Usually asymptomatic.

Radiographic features

MRI

Typically appear as round or oval masses that are located just laterally to the external urethral meatus and inferior to the pubic symphysis.

On MR imaging, Skene duct cysts manifest as round or oval hyperintense lesions just lateral to the external urethral meatus.

Signal characteristics include:

• T2
  • hyperintense signal if uncomplicated
  • may show fluid-fluid levels if there is a complicating hemorrhage

Treatment and prognosis

Large, symptomatic cysts may warrant surgical excision or marsupialisation, usually with excellent outcome. Large cysts may also require drainage or excision in the presence of superimposed infection.

Differential diagnosis

General considerations include:

• Bartholin gland cyst
• urethral diverticulum (urethrocele)
  • tend to be midurethral in location versus paraurethral gland cysts, which are located near the external urethral meatus

See also

• periurethral cysts

Siehe auch:

• Bartholin-Zyste
• Divertikel der Urethra
• periurethral cysts

und weiter:

• periurethral cystic lesions