Urethral syringoceles: Clinical presentations in various age groups

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Urethral syringocele or Cowper's syringocele is defined as a cystic dilation of the bulbourethral glands. It is an uncommon, but also under-diagnosed condition that is most commonly seen in pediatric population. We present 7 cases of urethral syringocele in children with several different presentations and challenging diagnosis, with a review of literature on presentation, diagnostic workup and treatment. Methods: Retrospective review of 7 cases with diagnosis of urethral syringocele who presented to our tertiary pediatric hospital. Results: Age at presentation was from prenatal to 16 years. Various presentations seen in our 7 cases were: in utero diagnosis of urethral obstruction and hydronephrosis, scrotal abscess formation in 2 cases, post-micturation dribbling, poor urinary stream and penile swelling, and acute urinary retention. Method of diagnosis was micturition cystourethrogram (MCUG) in 5 cases, direct cystoscopy in one, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in another case. Surgical intervention was necessary in all patients. Conclusions: Our experience in paediatric population shows that syringocele can present in various ways, and high degree of suspicion is needed to make a correct diagnosis. Careful clinical, radiological and endoscopic evaluations are necessary for establishing diagnosis and choice of treatment. Transurethral deroofing is a simple and effective method of treatment, although in 2 of our cases, perineal approach was necessary to drain the scrotal abscess.L6213521272018-03-27 <br />