Omphalomesenteric duct cyst

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Vitelline cyst)


Omphalomesenteric duct cyst
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Abdominal pain, palpable mass
Complications Infection, bowel obstruction
Onset Congenital
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct
Risks Meckel's diverticulum, intestinal obstruction
Diagnosis Ultrasound, CT scan
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgical excision
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


The omphalomesenteric duct cyst is a rare congenital condition resulting from the incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct, also known as the vitelline duct. This duct is an embryonic structure that connects the yolk sac to the midgut of the developing fetus. Normally, it obliterates during the 5th to 9th week of gestation. However, if it persists, it can lead to various anomalies, including the formation of a cyst.

Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with an omphalomesenteric duct cyst may present with abdominal pain, a palpable abdominal mass, or signs of intestinal obstruction. In some cases, the cyst may become infected, leading to additional symptoms such as fever and tenderness.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of an omphalomesenteric duct cyst is typically made using imaging studies. An ultrasound can reveal a cystic structure in the abdomen, while a CT scan provides more detailed information about its size and location. These imaging modalities help differentiate the cyst from other potential causes of abdominal masses in children.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The definitive treatment for an omphalomesenteric duct cyst is surgical excision. This procedure involves the removal of the cyst and any associated fibrous bands or remnants of the duct. Surgery is usually curative, and the prognosis is excellent if the cyst is completely excised.

Complications[edit | edit source]

If left untreated, an omphalomesenteric duct cyst can lead to complications such as infection or bowel obstruction. In rare cases, it may be associated with other anomalies like Meckel's diverticulum, which can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD