A case report of intrarenal epidermoid cysts in a yellow-bellied slider ( Trachemys scripta scripta )

Abstract

A 7-year-old yellow-bellied slider exhibited anorexia, decreased activity, generalised wasting of skeletal muscles and oedema. Haematology examination revealed increased phosphorus and decreased calcium levels. During necropsy performed after spontaneous death, a focal nodular lesion containing tan amorphous material was found in the left kidney. Histopathology examination revealed multiple cystic lesions lined by a multilayered squamous, occasionally cuboidal, and containing keratin. Epithelial cells and keratin material were cytokeratin-positive. These findings confirmed a diagnosis of the most likely congenital intrarenal epidermoid cysts.

Renal Epidermoid Cyst: A Case Report

“…Only three cases have been described in the available work written in English, Italian, or German (9). An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst of ectodermal origin, considered a cystic area covered by squamous epithelium and filled with keratinous materials (10). Transformation to malignancy generally does not happen in epidermoid cysts (11).…”

“…The renal epidermoid cyst is believed to originate from epidermis residue from the Wolffian duct or from transitional epithelium metaplasia to squamous by traumatic injuries such as calculus (2). Histopathologic evaluation showed some cystic areas covered by predominantly squamous epithelium and rarely cuboidal cells, which were filled by keratinous materials (3). Although the intra-renal epidermoid cyst is really rare, it has an important clinical implication.…”