Zinner Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge. The Aid of Morphology, Embryology, and Immunohistochemistry

Urology. 2017 Oct:108:e3-e5. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.06.013. Epub 2017 Jul 3.

Abstract

We investigate a patient with right kidney agenesis. Imaging showed the presence of a cystic mass dislocating the bladder. The specimen showed three formations: a kidney remnant, a ureter with blind-ending branch, and a cyst, from which departed another tubular structure, considered the deferential duct. The specimen was sampled. The supposed kidney was formed by cystic structures. Examination of the tubular structures disclosed smooth muscle fibers with no lumen, whereas the cyst was surrounded by fibrous and hemorrhagic walls. Collaboration among specialists allowed the diagnosis of Zinner syndrome, a congenital malformation due to an abnormal development of the Wolffian duct.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Congenital Abnormalities / diagnosis*
  • Congenital Abnormalities / metabolism
  • Congenital Abnormalities / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Kidney / abnormalities*
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Kidney / surgery
  • Kidney Diseases / congenital*
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / methods
  • Wolffian Ducts / abnormalities*
  • Wolffian Ducts / diagnostic imaging
  • Wolffian Ducts / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Hereditary renal agenesis