Fact-sheet: Bartholin cyst - Bartholinitis


Updated on 02/20/2025 at 8:20 AM

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Definition

Cysts arising from the Bartholin glands (or major vestibular glands), located at the posterolateral aspect of the distal vagina, posterior to the labia majora.

Clinical features

Usually asymptomatic

Complications:

  • Bartholin gland abscess
  • Rare cases of carcinoma

Ultrasound

Visualization of the cystic lesion via the transperineal approach.

MRI

Ovoid perineal cystic lesion of the distal vagina, typically posterolateral, at or below the pubic symphysis on coronal images.

Variable T1 signal.

Fluid-like T2 hyperintensity, or variable depending on the protein content of the cyst or in cases of superinfection.

Bartholinitis & Bartholin gland abscess: peri-cystic inflammation.

Differential diagnosis

Gartner duct cyst: at or above the level of the symphysis

Lymphangiome caverneux vulvaire: to be considered in case of recurrence after treatment of a "Bartholin cyst"