BACKGROUND: Anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) leading to secondary rectothecal fistula is extremely rare, and to date only 5 such cases have been described in the world literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe an uncomplicated case of a 52-year-old female patient presenting with cerebrospinal fluid leak from the anus who was investigated and found to have an ASM with rectothecal fistula. The ASM and rectothecal fistula were subsequently repaired using a posterior approach. Pertinent literature review, clinical findings, neuroimaging, and surgical management are described for these rare lesions. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and surgical disconnection of the fistulous tract led to satisfactory outcome in the present case and avoided the catastrophic complication of meningitis.
BACKGROUND: Anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) leading to secondary rectothecal fistula is extremely rare, and to date only 5 such cases have been described in the world literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe an uncomplicated case of a 52-year-old female patient presenting with cerebrospinal fluid leak from the anus who was investigated and found to have an ASM with rectothecal fistula. The ASM and rectothecal fistula were subsequently repaired using a posterior approach. Pertinent literature review, clinical findings, neuroimaging, and surgical management are described for these rare lesions. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and surgical disconnection of the fistulous tract led to satisfactory outcome in the present case and avoided the catastrophic complication of meningitis.