Unmasking a Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen in Adults: A Case Report of an Infected Urachal Cyst

The urachus is a remnant of the fetal duct that typically obliterates and becomes a fibrous cord after birth. However, in rare cases where this process fails, urachal cysts and other abnormalities can form, often remaining undiagnosed due to their asymptomatic nature. Infection is the primary complication and can be misdiagnosed due to the cyst's obscurity and varied presentations. Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, fistula formation, and cyst rupture, potentially causing peritonitis. This paper discusses a 48-year-old male who consulted in the emergency department with acute abdominal symptoms, was diagnosed with an infected urachal cyst via imaging and successfully treated with antibiotics and subsequent surgical excision.