Zinner syndrome: two cases and review of the literature

Zinner Syndrome: The Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Urogenital Malformation

This case highlights an atypical but important consideration in young males presenting with persistent gastrointestinal and/or genitourinary symptoms. Zinner syndrome (ZS) develops from embryologic maldevelopment of the distal mesonephric duct, resulting in ejaculatory duct atresia with consequent obstruction of the seminal vesicle and concomitant ureteral bud malformation, leading to renal agenesis/dysplasia. The lack of distinct clinical symptoms makes ZS a difficult diagnosis to reach: Abdominal pain and dysuria are often mistaken for prostatitis or cystitis. However, the use of modern imaging modalities aids in establishing the diagnosis. Early identification of ZS may delay progression to infertility as the duct obstruction may not be as extensive, though further research is needed to establish this connection.

Ipsilateral renal dysgenesis or agenesis with tubulocystic anomalies of the mesonephric duct

Tubulocystic anomalies of the mesonephric duct (MND) are a rare group of related entities with a perplexing clinical presentation. Ultrasound is a useful screening investigation, which can help identify a dysplastic kidney or point to renal agenesis and identify cystic or tubulocystic changes in the structures derived from the ureteric bud or MND. Further evaluation with MRI can help in characterisation and direct management. The presence of a dysplastic kidney or absence of a kidney should prompt further evaluation for associated ureteric abnormalities such as ectopic insertion or ureterocoele, which could lead to a diagnosis of tubulocystic anomaly of the MND.

Contribution

The authors describe two cases, briefly outline the diagnostic approach and summarise the literature on management. Reporting radiologists should be aware of these entities.

Laparoscopic excision of huge seminal vesicle cyst in Zinner syndrome

This is the case of a 45-year-old male who presented with dysuria and gross hematuria. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed an enormous pelvic cystic lesion and a right nephromegaly but an invisible left kidney. Using the imaging findings, the patient was diagnosed with Zinner syndrome. Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of the cyst was performed for symptom relief. At post-treatment, the symptoms disappeared, and sexual function remained. Seminal vesicle cysts have been commonly reported in previous studies but rarely in this case. Furthermore, most previous studies have documented surgical excision of <10 cm cysts. However, a ∼12.5-cm seminal vesicle cyst was excised with the laparoscopic method without any perioperative complication in this case.

Zinner syndrome: A first case report from Ethiopia

A triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction has been called Zinner syndrome since its first description in 1914 by Zinner. It is a very rare congenital abnormality of the male genitourinary tract due to abnormal embryologic development of the Wolffian ducts. There have been several case reports from different parts of the world about the clinical and imaging findings of these anomaly. In this case report, we present the first case report of Zinner syndrome in a 28-year-old male Ethiopian patient.

Zinner Syndrome-A Rare Cause of Recurrent Epididymitis and Infertility

Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a rare disorder that affects only men. It is characterized by a triad of abnormalities, including unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cysts, and atresia of the ejaculatory tract. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the best treatment modality. We describe a case of a young male patient with recurrent epididymitis, dysuria, and frequent urination. In the diagnostic evaluation, we found an extended right seminal vesicle in the ultrasound with hyperechoic fluid inside and an absence of the right kidney. We performed magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and semen analysis confirming Zinner syndrome and deteriorated semen parameters. Urethroscopic evaluation and ultrasound-guided puncture of the seminal vesicle were performed. An abscess was excluded. The cytologic evaluation showed hemosiderophages. Tamsulosin was introduced. We found no signs of relapse in a six-month observation, and the patient had no further symptoms. Therefore, minimally invasive treatment is a feasible option in young patients found with early-stage Zinner syndrome.