Clinicopathological and embryological considerations of single ectopic ureters opening into Gartner's duct cyst: a unique subtype of single vaginal ectopia

Abstract

We report 6 cases of single ectopic ureters opening into a Gartner's duct cyst. All but 1 patient were children. The presenting symptoms were urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, a vaginal mass or weight loss. All but 1 patient had a mass protruding into the vagina. In 5 cases nephroureterectomy was performed successfully. The cyst wall was left untouched to allow for its spontaneous collapse. Although 2 cysts were found to communicate with the vagina, 4 presented as a closed space. All resected kidneys were more dysplastic than those with vaginal ectopia without cyst formation. The etiology and pathogenesis of the anomaly are unknown but some speculations are made.