Subpubic Cartilaginous Cyst--A Rare Periurethral Lesion With Implications for Surgical Approach

Imaging of the Bulbourethral (Cowper) Gland: Abnormalities and Differential Diagnosis

Normal Cowper glands and ducts are imperceptible at imaging. However, abnormalities of the Cowper glands and ducts are increasingly seen owing to increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. In this article, the authors present a comprehensive review of the normal anatomy of the Cowper glands and ducts and the clinical and imaging findings of conditions that affect them in an effort to help lead to appropriate diagnosis and management. A Cowper duct syringocele is a congenital or acquired dilatation of the Cowper duct in the bulb of the corpus spongiosum. Retrograde urethrography is the standard test to diagnose a communicating (open) Cowper duct syringocele, and MRI is used for further morphologic assessment. Cowperitis refers to inflammation of the gland and/or duct, and recurrent cowperitis is usually associated with an underlying syringocele, a urethral fistulous connection to the Cowper gland, or a perianal fistula. MRI allows detection of the underlying structural abnormality and the superimposed inflammation. Cowper stones are typically radiopaque and are found in both the Cowper gland and duct. A Cowper gland HHhemorrhagic cyst may be incidentally detected at MRI of the prostate, and follow-up MRI may be required to ensure evolution of hemorrhage and exclude an underlying neoplasm. Cowper gland carcinoma is rare and includes adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma subtypes. Transperineal US may be used for initial evaluation and CT and/or MRI are necessary for further characterization and staging. Cowper gland hyperplasia is a rare entity with few previous reports that may be incidentally detected at imaging and may mimic malignancy. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Rare case of retropubic parasymphyseal cyst in a male patient

INTRODUCTION

Retropubic parasymphyseal cysta are rare, and few cases have been reported in men.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old male patient presented with a 6-month history of pelvic and perineal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high-intensity, irregular-shaped mass extending from the pubic symphysis to the bladder. Contrast enhancement revealed no uptake in the central part of the mass, indicating a cystic component. Computed tomography showed erosion of the pubic symphysis and pubic osteophytes. Pathological findings of biopsy specimens revealed inflammatory fibrous tissue but no malignancy. The definitive diagnosis was retropubic parasymphyseal cyst associated with inflammation. The patient was treated with cefazolin from 1 day before surgery until postsurgical day 7. Oral antibiotic therapy was then prescribed for 1 month to maximize treatment. After 2 months, the patient's symptoms resolved.

CONCLUSION

Retropubic parasymphyseal cysts with inflammation and smaller asymptomatic cysts can be managed effectively with conservative or minimally invasive treatment.

Subpubic cartilaginous cyst: an unusual cause of urinary tract infection

It is important to consider alternative causes when treating refractory cases of urinary tract infection in the elderly population.

Subacute Urinary Retention due to a Subpubic Cartilaginous Cyst Treated with Surgical Resection and Internal Fixation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A subpubic cartilaginous cyst is a rare mass lesion derived from the pubic symphysis, which can cause acute or subacute urinary retention. We report a case of a subpubic cartilaginous cyst in a 62-year-old woman that caused lower abdominal pain and subacute urinary retention, requiring surgical resection. On physical examination, a hard, flexible, nontender mass, 4 cm in diameter, was palpable along the lower border of the pubic bone, extending to the perineum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a clearly distinct (3.8 cm × 3.8 cm × 7.2 cm) mass on the midpelvic side of the pelvis, centered on the pubic joint. We proceeded with en bloc resection of the mass, including a resection margin of 1 cm on either side. The bony defect was fixed with a locking plate. On pathological assessment, the mass was diagnosed as a subpubic cartilaginous cyst arising from the cartilage of the pubic symphysis. No tumor recurrence was identified over a 4-year follow-up. Based on our experience, we propose that en bloc resection of the mass, including a wider resection centered on the pubic symphysis, with internal fixation, is a possible treatment for a subpubic cartilaginous cystic mass lesion.