Pathologies of the canal of Nuck

Pathologies involving the canal of Nuck are a little known developmental disorder with this embryological entity barely mentioned in most embryology and anatomy textbooks. This article will review the embryology and anatomy of the canal of Nuck and discuss the different pathologies that may be diagnosed. Ultrasound has the ability to accurately diagnose canal of Nuck pathologies and to differentiate between the types of hydroceles and the contents of congenital inguinal hernias. Ultrasound also provides valuable information on the contents perfusion and reducibility, thus helping to facilitate clinical management and timing of any surgical intervention. Pathologies of the canal of Nuck, while rare, should be considered as a differential diagnosis when investigating groin, labia or inguinal masses in female children.