Persistent patent omphalomesenteric duct versus persistent patent urachus in infants

Introduction: Persistent patent omphalomesenteric duct (PPOMD) and persistent patent urachus (PPU) are rare congenital anomalies that present with a persistent connection between the umbilicus and the embryonic structures of either the intestinal or the urinary tract. The two conditions are most commonly diagnosed in infancy.

Aim: We exhibit a comparative clinical case report of a 3-month-old male with PPOMD and a 2-month-old male with PPU with comparable clinical presentations. No concomitant congenital anomalies were registered. The cases aim to highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis in relation to the similar clinical presentation and the appropriate surgical management of these anomalies.

Results: Both patients underwent physical examination, laboratory and imaging studies, which demonstrated similar results, with the fistulogram study in Case 1 confirming a PPOMD diagnosis. The two conditions were conclusively differentiated during the following surgical explorations.

Conclusion: The two conditions (PPOMD and PPU) demonstrate similar clinical presentation and belong to a broader differential diagnostic spectrum, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent complications.