Rectothecal fistula secondary to an anterior sacral meningocele

J Neurosurg Spine. 2008 May;8(5):487-9. doi: 10.3171/SPI/2008/8/5/487.

Abstract

A rectothecal fistula secondary to anterior sacral meningocele is an extremely rare disease. To the authors' knowledge, only 2 cases have been reported in the English-language literature. It can cause symptoms by compressing adjacent structures, causing urinary difficulties and constipation. The authors report an unusual case of a patient in whom this condition was diagnosed as an incidental finding. The patient had a sacral myelomeningocele with secondary meningitis to a rectothecal fistula. The authors will briefly review the diagnosis, the various treatments, and the surgical approach to treat this infrequent entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Constipation / etiology
  • Fistula / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / etiology
  • Meningocele / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Fistula / etiology*
  • Sacrum / pathology*
  • Spinal Canal / pathology*
  • Spinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Urination Disorders / etiology