Huge anterior sacral meningocele simulating bladder retention

Urology. 2013 Feb;81(2):e9-10. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.11.015.

Abstract

Anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) is a rare congenital disorder involving herniation of the dural sac through a defect in the anterior surface of the sacrum. We report the case of a young patient with an enormous ASM that simulated bladder retention in terms of symptoms as well as on physical examination and at ultrasonography. After introducing a catheter that excluded urinary retention, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the ASM. The patient underwent surgical repair of the ASM through a sacral laminectomy and recovered normal lower urinary tract function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningocele / congenital
  • Meningocele / diagnosis*
  • Meningocele / diagnostic imaging
  • Sacrum
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urinary Retention / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Retention / diagnostic imaging