Learning objectives
Our purpose is to:
Describe the anatomy of the inguinal canal (IC) and its embryological origin.
Emphasize the role of ultrasound examination as the initial imaging modality.
Review the pathological processes of the inguinal canal to make an accurate differential diagnosis with the entities can be found in that location.
Background
Embryologic Development of the IC
A basic understanding of the embryologic development and detailed anatomy of the processus vaginalis in its formation of the inguinal canal,
plays an essential role in establishing the diagnosis.
The inguinal canal develop in the female embryo as well as in the male.
There are two structures that have major roles in the development of the IC: processus vaginalis (PV),
an evagination of the parietal peritoneum,
and the gubernaculum,
a fibromascular ligament.
The gubernaculum arises in the course of the...
Findings and procedure details
Pathology associated with increased abdominal pressure
Direct inguinal hernias
Varicocele
Direct inguinal hernia (Fig 1)
Direct hernias account for 25% of all inguinal hernias.
They result from protrusion of abdominal viscera through a weakness of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal,
medial to the inferior epigastric vessels,
through the Hesselbach´s triangle.
Direct hernias are generally acquired and increase in incidence with age,
as a result in either increased intra-abdominal pressure,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
ascites,
peritoneal dialysis,
coughing...
(Fig 3)
Hernias are not always...
Conclusion
We describe a variety of pathologies observed in the inguinal canal.
The correct interpretation will allow an adequate management.
References
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CT findings of normal and inflamed...