Bladder Ears (Transitory Extraperitoneal Hernia of the Bladder)

A bladder ear, also called a transitory extraperitoneal bladder hernia, is a transient lateral protrusion of the bladder into the inguinal canal. This is seen in infants (up to 10%), where the urinary bladder is located in the abdomen, close to the internal inguinal ring. A bladder ear can also occur through the femoral ring.

Bladder ears are incidental findings during cystography or intravenous urography; however, up to 20% of infants have an associated inguinal hernia.

They may be mistaken for bladder diverticula; however, their smooth walls, and usually wide necks can help differentiate them from diverticula.

References

Allen RP and Condon VR. Transitory extraperitoneal hernia of the bladder in infants (bladder ears). Radiology. 1961 Dec;77:979-83.