An omphalomesenteric duct cyst is a type of true umbilical cord cyst.
On this page:
Pathology
The omphalomesenteric duct serves as a communication between the midgut and yolk sac of an embryo. It usually obliterates between the 9th to 18th week of gestation.
The omphalomesenteric duct cyst is an embryologic remnant of the yolk stalk. If the yolk stalk does not obliterate completely, various portions may persist giving rise to many entities including an omphalomesenteric duct cyst. The cyst is lined by a columnar mucin-secreting epithelium. Eventually, it may contain gastric, colonic, pancreatic and/or small intestinal epithelium.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound and CT can be used to evaluate obstruction or inflammation of the cyst 3.
Ultrasound
It is seen as a cystic mass towards the fetal end of the umbilical cord located close to the periphery of the cord (cf. allantoic cysts which are central). Color Doppler shows no vascularity (cf. umbilical arterial aneurysm.
Differential diagnosis
allantoic cyst: located centrally in the cord
umbilical arterial aneurysm: shows Doppler signal