[A case of association of cyst of the urachus and Meckel's diverticulum]

Abstract

Meckel diverticulum and residual urachus have a common embryological origin: the yolk sac at the eight day of life. Their course is independent but the underlying mechanisms are identical. Meckel diverticulum occurs in 2 to 4% of the population. Clinical signs are often absent and complications occur in 4% of the cases (haemorrhage, occlusion, inflammation, and rarely tumoural formation). Residual urachus occurs as a cystic formation, a sinus or a fistulization and may degenerate into adenocarcinoma of severe prognosis. The reported association has not apparently been reported previously in the literature. Due to the risk of cancerization, it is suggested that residual urachus should be searched in cases of Meckel diverticulum.