The incidence and surgical management of paratubal cysts in a pediatric and adolescent population

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of paratubal cysts (PTCs) in a pediatric and adolescent population.

Methods

An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was performed between the years of 1998 and 2008 at a single children's hospital. Inclusion criteria were met if pathology reports demonstrated diagnosis of PTC, hydrosalpinx, or hydatid of morgagni.

Results

One hundred ten patients had confirmed diagnoses of hydatid of morgagni, hydrosalpinx, or PTC. The incidence of PTCs was 7.3%. Mean age of PTC diagnosis was 13.7 ± 2.82 years, with 12.6% diagnosed premenarchal. Mean age menarche was 11.7 ± 1.34 years among pubertal females. The age of menarche and diagnosis of PTC correlated (Pearson, 0.54) (P < .0001). There was a small correlation between body mass index and size of PTC (r = 0.36; P ≤ .001).

Conclusion

The incidence of PTCs was 7.3% in this pediatric and adolescent population. In addition, this is the first study to confirm presence of PTCs in prepubertal females. Surgeon should be aware of these benign cysts because they are frequently a source of abdominal pain in young girls. As nonphysiologic cysts, these will not resolve spontaneously and may increase in size and/or be at risk for adnexal torsion. Ultimately, surgical management is required for definitive resolution.