Classifying seminal vesicle cysts in the diagnosis and treatment of Zinner syndrome: A report of six cases and review of available literature

Zinner syndrome in childhood and adolescence: Report of four cases and review of the literature

Zinner syndrome is a rare congenital malformation of the urinary system that occurs exclusively in males. It consists of renal agenesis, ipsilateral obstruction of the ejaculatory duct, and cystic changes in the seminal vesicles. It is rarely described in the pediatric population due to the absence of symptoms, as well as the failure to recognize it due to masking by other morphological changes and conditions. Four patients from the pediatric population are presented. Two patients were asymptomatic, and the changes were detected incidentally or during other diagnostic procedures. The other two patients exhibited symptoms and signs such as testicular pain, abdominal pain, hematuria, and hematospermia, along with megaureter. Ultrasound serves as the initial diagnostic method, while confirmation of Zinner's syndrome is established by MR urography. In cases that ultrasound verified kidney agenesis and ipsilateral anechoic, avascular tubulocystic structures, it is necessary to perform follow-up MR urography to confirm or exclude Zinner's syndrome. Following diagnosis, asymptomatic pediatric patients should be monitored every 6 months to a year, using ultrasound, with particular attention to cyst size and content.

Zinner syndrome in pediatric age group: An underdiagnosed entity

INTRODUCTION

Zinner Syndrome (ZS), a rare congenital malformation of the mesonephric duct, combines seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) with ipsilateral upper urinary tract abnormalities. Typically asymptomatic in childhood, ZS manifests between 2nd to 4th decades with bladder symptoms, perineal pain and infertility. Diagnostic confirmation with additional imaging is needed when either renal or seminal abnormalities are identified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study spanning 22 years identified 20 pediatric ZS cases through clinical analytics. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were analyzed, including presenting complaints, imaging modalities (ultrasound, CT, MRI), and surgical findings. The study was HIPAA-compliant and IRB-approved.

RESULTS

Among 20 cases (mean age: 7.3 years), clinical presentations included asymptomatic cases, urinary symptoms, and abdominal pain. Imaging revealed renal anomalies (agenesis, multicystic dysplastic kidney) and seminal vesicle abnormalities. Surgical interventions (n = 12) addressed symptomatic cases, often involving robotic or laparoscopic procedures.

DISCUSSION

ZS, though rare, presents with varied clinical features, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Early diagnosis is facilitated by prenatal identification of renal abnormalities. Surgical intervention is reserved for symptomatic cases, with techniques such as vesiculectomy and resection of remnant structures employed.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights ZS's diverse clinical and radiological spectrum, emphasizing the need for vigilance in detecting overlapping entities. Timely identification, utilizing advanced imaging techniques, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of Zinner Syndrome in the pediatric population.

Zinner Syndrome in Young Adult Males: A Case Series and Literature Review

Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a highly uncommon congenital or developmental urogenital anomaly characterized by the triumvirate of unilateral renal agenesis or dysplasia, ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction, and ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst. We present three cases of ZS in a 21-year-old male, a 20-year-old male, and a 24-year-old male. The diagnostic evaluation revealed unilateral renal agenesis associated with hypertrophy of the ipsilateral seminal vesicle with cystic changes on investigation by ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients underwent surgical management, resulting in symptom resolution and enhanced quality of life. This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges, management options, and long-term outcomes for patients with ZS.

A Common Path: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Müllerian and Wolffian Duct Anomalies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the pathway of Mullerian and Wolffian duct development, anomalies that result from disruptions to this pathway, and the characteristics on advanced imaging that identify them.

RECENT FINDINGS

In-office evaluation for reproductive anomalies is usually inadequate for the diagnosis of congenital reproductive anomalies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has usurped invasive diagnostic methods including laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and vasography as the new gold standard. Because of its superior soft-tissue delineation and the availability of advanced functional sequences, MRI offers a sophisticated method of distinguishing reproductive anomalies from one another, characterizing the degree of defect severity, and evaluating for concomitant urogenital anomalies non-invasively and without radiation exposure to the patient. Congenital anomalies of the Mullerian and Wolffian duct can be incredibly nuanced, requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis for management of infertility. Definitive diagnosis should be made early with MRI.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Unroofing versus Fenestration Under Seminal Vesiculoscopy for Seminal Vesicle Cyst, a Multi-Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

To illustrate the transperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing (TLU) and compare the efficacy and safety of TLU to fenestration under seminal vesiculoscopy (FUSV) in treating symptomatic seminal vesicle cyst (SVC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with symptomatic SVC who underwent TLU or FUSV between 2008 and 2020 at 3 institutions in Hunan. The two groups were evaluated with reference to radiological failure-free survival (R-FFS), fertility outcome, symptoms, and complications at a median 33.5-month follow-up.

Results

Of the 98 males, 58 (59.2%) received TLU, and 40 (40.8%) underwent FUSV. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Semen analysis, prostatitis-like symptoms, and the maximum diameter of cyst were partially improved after both surgeries at 12-month follow-up. The TLU groups suggested a higher incidence rate of fertility for SVC patients with comorbid infertility compared with the FUSV group (82.4% vs 70.3%, p = 0.041), as well as better R-FFS of cysts at five-year follow-up (Log rank test, p = 0.021). In addition, the number of patients with NIH-CPSI (National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index) scores higher than 15 decreased more significantly after TLU (p = 0.004). Except for hematospermia within 3 months, no significant difference in adverse events was observed in the two groups during the long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

TLU was superior for patients with large and symptomatic SVC to FUSV, with more relieved symptoms, better R-FFS of cysts and fertility outcomes.

Registration Number of Clinical Trial

ChiCTR2100053850 in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ChiCTR).

[And there was Zinner's syndrome-a rare differential diagnosis]

Zinner's syndrome is a rare congenital abnormality of the Wolffian ducts in male patients. It consists of the triad of renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle dilatation, and obstruction of the ejaculatory duct. Symptoms often occur after puberty and can include hematospermia, painful ejaculation, dysuria, and local discomfort. We present the case of a 15-year-old patient with this rare condition who was treated surgically after the diagnosis was confirmed.

Zinner's syndrome, a retrospective series of three cases: different strategies to the same problem

A 106 years have passed since Zinner's syndrome was first described and current knowledge is still almost exclusively based on case reports. This article presents three patients with Zinner's syndrome with different clinical presentations and consequent different treatment options, showing the possible full spectrum of this condition. The first patient presented with storage lower urinary tract symptoms and benefited from laparoscopic removal of the seminal vesicle. The second patient has an incidental diagnosis on CT and remains asymptomatic on follow-up. The third patient presented with persistent lumbar pain and underwent open surgical removal of the seminal vesicle. The authors further present a literature review of the current knowledge on this topic, hopefully to clarify the state of art and improve the management of these patients.

A rare case of Zinner syndrome: Triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ejaculatory duct obstruction

A rare triad of Wolffian duct anomaly known as Zinner syndrome includes unilateral renal agenesis with ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ejaculatory duct obstruction. It is often diagnosed in third and fourth decades of life. Patient presents with dysuria, perineal pain, infertility and painful ejaculation. The aim of this case report is to show the importance of the radiological imaging on diagnosis of Zinner syndrome. MRI being the modality of the choice for the confirmation of the diagnosis is vital in further management of the syndrome.

Laparoscopic treatment of a giant seminal vesicle cyst with hemorrhage: A case report

RATIONALE

A seminal vesicle cyst is a benign lesion of the seminal vesicle that is usually asymptomatic. However, when a giant seminal vesicle cyst ruptures and bleeds, it can cause obvious clinical symptoms. To our knowledge, no single giant seminal vesicle cyst with hemorrhage has been reported in current studies, and surgery is the primary method to treat seminal vesicle hemorrhage with obvious symptoms.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 31-year-old man presented with urination pain but without obvious urination frequency and urgency, dysuria, and discomfort. Rectal palpation in the chest-knee position revealed a hard mass palpable in the upper right with a smooth surface and mild tenderness, and the upper edge of the mass could not be palpated.

DIAGNOSIS

The results of the B-mode ultrasound indicated a mixed echogenic lump between the bladder and prostate, with a size of 81 × 76 mm. The computer tomography scan showed an "S" tubular lump in the right side of the pelvic cavity. The mass has a computer tomography value of 58 to 70 HU, and uneven reinforcement can be observed. On the basis of the results of the magnetic resonance imaging of the urinary bladder, the lump has T1 and T2 signals of equal lengths.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was diagnosed with a huge right seminal vesicle cyst with hemorrhage and was treated via laparoscopic surgery.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered quickly after the operation, and the symptoms of urination pain were significantly improved.

LESSONS

Seminal vesicle hemorrhage is clinically rare, and laparoscopic treatment is an effective and safe surgical method for the treatment of seminal vesicle cysts.

Incidental detection of Zinner syndrome in a patient with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of testis

Zinner syndrome is a rare congenital abnormality occurring in males comprising a triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction, and seminal vesicle cyst. Most patients remain asymptomatic, and some may present with lower urinary tract symptoms or infertility. We present a case of incidentally detected Zinner syndrome in a patient with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of testis, an association that is not reported in literature to our knowledge.

Long-Term Surveillance and Laparoscopic Management of Zinner Syndrome

Zinner syndrome was first described in 1914 and represents the triad of unilateral renal agenesis and ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. Seminal vesicle cysts are often asymptomatic but can also present with pain, haematospermia, or other lower urinary tract symptoms. Treatment strategies include observation and surgical excision. We present the laparoscopic management of an enlarged seminal vesicle cyst, consistent with Zinner syndrome, 14 years after the initial diagnosis. A 58-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a left-sided seminal vesicle cyst while undergoing assessment for renal transplant due to progressively worsening renal function in his solitary right kidney. The otherwise asymptomatic cyst enlarged from the time of initial diagnosis in 2004 (11.3 cm × 9.7 cm × 13.1 cm) to nearly double the size in 2018 (12.8 cm × 11.9 cm × 14.2 cm). This cyst size ultimately precluded renal transplant, and the patient was referred for excision. Laparoscopic excision of the cyst was performed, histopathology confirmed seminal vesicle cyst tissue, and there has been no recurrence of the cyst to date. The patient remains active on the renal transplant waitlist. Zinner syndrome is a rare syndrome, with the seminal vesicle cysts being managed by observation or surgical excision. We report the longest documented observation of a seminal vesicle cyst, culminating in a safe and successful laparoscopic excision.

Zinner Syndrome with Ectopic Ureter Emptying into Seminal Vesicle

A 66-year-old male patient in follow-up in the urology department for a non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer was detected by ultrasound to have absence of the left kidney and a cystic, multilobed image at the location of the seminal vesicle. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals left renal agenesis and the existence of multiple cysts in the ipsilateral seminal vesicle that reaches a size of 6.9 × 3.7 cm, as well as a ureteral remnant that opens into the seminal vesicle. The patient does not present urinary symptoms, neither pain with ejaculation nor hematuria. A triad of seminal vesicle cyst, ipsilateral renal agenesis, and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction is known as Zinner syndrome. Congenital anomalies of the seminal vesicles are rare; some of them are associated with malformations of the upper urinary system. Seminal vesicle cysts are associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic or dysplastic ureter. Patients may remain asymptomatic and be diagnosed incidentally or may present with symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, dysuria, recurrent infections, pain with ejaculation, and perineal discomfort.

Sperm retrieval by conventional testicular sperm extraction for assisted reproduction in patients with Zinner syndrome

We present data from three Caucasian men with Zinner syndrome who attended our center for the treatment of primary couple’s infertility. Each patient was scheduled for conventional testicular sperm extraction (cTESE) and cryopreservation. Sperm analysis confirmed absolute azoospermia. Patient 1 had right and left testis volumes of 24 mL and 23 mL, respectively; left seminal vesicle (SV) agenesis, severe right SV hypotrophy with right renal agenesis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 3.2 IU/L. Patient 2 exhibited right and left testis volumes of 18 mL and 16 mL, respectively; a left SV cyst of 32 × 28 mm, ipsilateral kidney absence, and right SV agenesis. FSH was 2.8 IU/L. Patient 3 showed a testicular volume of 10 mL bilaterally, a 65 × 46 mm left SV cyst, right SV enlargement, and left kidney agenesis. FSH was 32.0 IU/L. Sperm retrieval was successful in all patients. Nevertheless, cTESE should be performed on the day of oocyte retrieval.

Zinner Syndrome Unmasked by Workup for Renal Colic and Uncontrolled Hypertension

Zinner syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder of the mesonephric duct. The triad of the absence of one kidney, ipsilateral cystic dilatation of the seminal vesicle, and ejaculatory duct obstruction makes the diagnosis. Mostly, it is asymptomatic. However, genitourinary manifestations and workup for the incidental absence of one kidney often uncover the disease. Ultrasound and CT scan can identify the absence of a kidney and seminal vesicle cyst, while MRI is the gold standard for diagnostic elaboration of the pelvic anatomy. In this article, we have presented a 51-year-old male patient who presented with renal colic and hypertension. Radiological investigations for the renal colic uncovered the diagnosis of Zinner syndrome incidentally. This case highlights the incidental nature, variability in the clinical presentation, and the diagnostic challenges of this rare disorder. It also emphasizes on the radiologist for a careful evaluation of the pelvic images in patients with unilateral absence of a kidney.

Incidental imaging findings suggesting Zinner syndrome in a young patient with pulmonary embolism: A case report

A triad of seminal vesical cyst, ipsilateral renal agenesis and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction is known as Zinner Syndrome. First described in 1914, only about 200 cases have been reported in literature. Usually it stays undiagnosed until the second to third decade of life due to lack of symptoms or nonspecific symptoms such as lower urinary tract symptoms, dysuria or painful ejaculation. In this report we present the case of a 22-year-old patient with a Zinner syndrome as an incidental finding and underlie a review of literature to show the main clinical and imaging implications.