KEY FACTS
Terminology
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Gartner duct cyst: Embryonic remnant of wolffian (mesonephric) duct, lined with nonmucinous columnar cells
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Associated with renal/ureteral/müllerian anomalies
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Imaging
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Ultrasound is modality of choice
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Well-defined cyst with thin walls, may contain septa
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Anechoic to hypoechoic with increased through transmission
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Separate from cervix, in anterolateral vaginal wall
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Infection or hemorrhage → increased echogenicity of fluid
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Rarely, large enough to cause urethral obstruction
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Cyst may be seen posterior to bladder or protrude into bladder, mimicking ureterocele or urethral diverticulum
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MR provides better resolution and spatial differentiation from other organs
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Usually low T1 signal intensity and high T2 signal intensity
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Hemorrhage or proteinaceous debris results in high T1 and T2 signal intensity
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No internal flow on Doppler
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Helps to confirm cystic nature rather than solid mass, such as vaginal tumor
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Top Differential Diagnoses
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Nabothian cysts
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Vaginal inclusion cysts
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Urethral diverticulum
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Ectopic ureterocele
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Endometriosis
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If solid-appearing, consider vaginal tumors or cervical/vaginal polyp
Pathology
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Associations
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Müllerian duct anomalies
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Unicornuate, bicornuate, didelphys, or septate uterus
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Renal anomalies
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Ipsilateral renal dysgenesis/agenesis
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Cross-fused ectopia/ectopic ureter
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Diverticulosis of fallopian tubes (salpingitis isthmica nodosa)
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Clinical Issues
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Occurs in 1-2% of women; usually asymptomatic
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Incidental finding on imaging or pelvic examination
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Symptomatic if large: Pelvic pressure symptoms, dyspareunia, obstructed labor
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Infection/hemorrhage may cause acute pain
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May present with urologic symptoms
Diagnostic Checklist
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In females with ipsilateral renal dysgenesis, ureterocele-like “cyst” without associated ureteric dilatation is highly suspicious for Gartner duct cyst
Scanning Tips
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Partial withdrawal of transvaginal probe or light pressure helpful to minimize cyst compression
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Transperineal sonography can be alternative