Vitelline Duct Cyst

A vitelline duct cyst is a small fluid-filled sac that forms in the abdomen due to an incomplete closure of a connection present during early fetal development called the vitelline duct. This duct normally disappears as the baby grows, but if it remains, it can create a cyst along the small intestine. The cyst is part of the digestive system and may not cause symptoms unless it becomes infected or causes blockage. People with this cyst might experience abdominal pain, swelling, or signs of infection. It is a rare condition but important because it can sometimes lead to complications like intestinal obstruction or inflammation.

Vitelline duct cyst is a congenital anomaly resulting from the incomplete obliteration of the vitelline (omphalomesenteric) duct, which connects the yolk sac to the midgut during embryogenesis. This cyst forms when both ends of the duct close but a central portion remains patent, creating a fluid-filled cavity along the ileum. It is a type of vitelline duct remnant distinct from a patent vitelline duct or Meckel diverticulum. The cyst may remain asymptomatic or present with complications such as intestinal obstruction, infection, or bleeding. Histologically, the cyst is lined by intestinal or sometimes ectopic gastric or pancreatic mucosa. Recognition of this anomaly is important due to its potential to mimic other causes of acute abdomen in children and adults.