Infected Bartholin Cyst - Ultrasonography Doppler, Magnetic Resonance Evaluation

Abstract

Bartholin gland cyst is the most common vulval cyst that arises from the dilated duct resulting from the obstruction of its opening. Most cysts are asymptomatic, but if not treated adequately and remain obstructed, they get infected and can result in Bartholin gland abscess. Abscess is usually present in the women of reproductive age. Patients commonly present with fever and painful progressive swelling of labia. Imaging modalities are used to diagnose the disease and it also aids to understand its extension in the complex pelvic floor region. The vulvar region is a host of various benign and malignant lesions. Vulva is a collective term for several anatomical structures: Mons pubis, labia majora and minora, vestibule, Bartholin gland and clitoris. Most common vulva cysts are the Bartholin gland cysts. In majority of the cases, these cysts are asymptomatic or are incidentally found on imaging studies. If these cysts are not properly treated, they can get infected and cause complication such as Bartholin gland abscess. 2 % of women during their lifetime develop Bartholin gland abscess or cysts.1 Pain is one of the most common indicators of infection in Bartholin cyst. Bartholin abscess starts with progressive swelling of labia majora later accompanied by fever and painful swelling of affected vulva side.2 Imaging modalities such an ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging aid in the diagnosis and extension of the lesion. We present a case of 55-year perimenopausal female of Bartholin gland abscesses diagnosed using imaging modalities such as ultrasound sonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).