Cyst of the Canal of Nuck in adult females: A case report and systematic review

Abstract

Defects in the Canal of Nuck are rare abnormalities of the female genitalia, which are typically detected and repaired in young age. In the present report, a case of a Nuck cyst in a 40-year old female patient is described. Additionally, the current literature concerning cases of women with hydrocele of Nuck canal was systematically reviewed. A total of 16 case reports of 16 patients with Nuck hydrocele (mean age of 35.18 years), have been reported to date. A right inguinal mass was noted in 13 patients (81.3%) whereas in 3 patients a left-sided mass was noted. The surgical approach was open in 13 cases and laparoscopic in 3 cases. Two cases underwent hydrocelectomy and inguinal ring ligation, whereas in 7 cases a simple cystectomy was performed. In 2 cases the round ligament was excised along with the hydrocele. In one of these 2, ligamentum rotundum necrosis and presence of a haemorrhagic cyst of the canal of Nuck were identified. Hernia repair and hydrocelectomy was performed in 5 cases. A cyst of the Canal of Nuck is relatively rare, but should be considered during the diagnosis of inguinal masses in female patients.

Keywords: Canal of Nuck; Nuck cyst; groin mass; hydrocele; inguinal swelling.

Figure 1

Magnetic resonance imaging showing a thin-walled cystic structure located in the right groin. (a) Axial view. (b) Coronal view.

Figure 2

Anatomy of the inguinal canal with a physiologically obliterated Canal of Nuck and the potential sites of the cyst through the canal when it remains patent.