Magnetic resonance imaging findings in hydrocele of the canal of nuck

Abstract

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a rare cause of inguinal swelling in females. It is usually seen in the newborn and in children and rarely seen in adult females. We report a case of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck in an 18-month-old female who presented with a swelling in the left inguinal region, extending into the labia majora. Abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography revealed a tortuous heterogeneously hyperechoic structure inside an anechoc sac. Magnetic resonance imaging was done for further evaluation, which showed an elongated cystic lesion in the left inguinal region extending into the left labia majora. There was a heterogeneous tubular structure seen inside the sac, which appearance resembled the round ligament and ovary. These findings were suggestive of hydrocele of the canal of nuck with herniation. Surgery was done which confirmed a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck with herniation of the round ligament, left ovary and part of the uterus in the sac.