Jonathan Melquist

Current diagnosis and management of syringocele: a review.

Cowpers syringocele is a rare but an under-diagnosed cystic dilation of the Cowpers ducts and is increasingly being recognized in the adult population. Recent literature suggests that syringoceles be classified based on the configuration of the ducts orifice to the urethra, either open or closed, as this also allows the clinical presentations of 2 syringoceles to be divided, albeit with some overlap. Usually post-void dribbling, hematuria, or urethral discharge indicates open syringocele, while obstructive symptoms are associated with closed syringoceles. As these symptoms are shared by many serious conditions, a working differential diagnosis is critical. Ultrasonography coupled with retro and ante grade urethrography usually suffices to diagnose syringocele, but supplementary procedures - such as cystourethroscopy, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging - can prove useful. Conservative observation is first recommended, but persistent symptoms are usually treated with endoscopic marsupialization unless contraindicated. Upon reviewing the literature, this paper addresses the clinical anatomy, classification, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of syringoceles in further detail.

Partial nephrectomy for a large renal lymphatic malformation in a child presenting with hypertension

A 9-year-old girl had hypertension (systolic blood pressure of 125 mm Hg) noted at an annual well child visit. An ultrasound study demonstrated a large right renal cystic mass. A partial nephrectomy was performed. The surgical specimen was 9.7 × 9.4 × 6.4 cm and weighed 413.2 g. The tumor stained diffusely positive for smooth muscle actin and focally positive for factor VIII. Final histologic diagnosis was primary intrarenal lymphatic malformation. The case is unusual because of the presentation, size of the mass, as well as the therapeutic approach of partial nephrectomy.