The urachal (allantois) duct runs from the anterosuperior bladder to the umbilicus. Normally the duct regresses during fetal development. Persistence of all or part of the urachal duct may present with a variety of clinical findings.
Clinical Finding
Significance
umbilical discharge of urine
entire duct patent
cystic mass in the lower anterior abdominal wall in the midline
persistent midportion of the duct with both ends closed
abscess at the umbilicus or in underlying tissues, with purulent discharge
infected cyst or involvement of duct remnant that opens to the skin surface
sinus opening at the umbilicus
distal end patent but visceral end closed
diverticulum arising from the superior bladder
visceral end patent but distal end closed
umbilical or bladder mass
urachal carcinoma arising in urachal remnants
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