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A case of occult intrasacral meningocele presented with atypical bowel symptoms

Yoichi Nishio1, Hideo Hamada, Masanori Kurimoto

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, 930-0194, Toyama, Japan.

Child'S Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
|November 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

An occult intrasacral meningocele caused severe constipation and stool incontinence in an 11-year-old boy. Surgical cyst perforation and fistula closure successfully resolved these symptoms, highlighting a rare cause of pediatric bowel dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intrasacral meningoceles are rare congenital abnormalities.
  • They can present with varied and often delayed neurological or bowel symptoms.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to the occult nature of the lesion.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old boy presented with atypical bowel symptoms, including severe constipation and stool incontinence.
  • Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an intrasacral cyst containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • The cyst was identified as an occult intrasacral meningocele.

Findings:

  • Surgical intervention involved cyst perforation and fistula closure.
  • Postoperatively, the patient experienced complete resolution of constipation and stool incontinence.
  • This case demonstrates the successful management of an intrasacral meningocele.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of intrasacral meningoceles can significantly improve patient outcomes.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering intraspinal lesions in the differential diagnosis of pediatric functional bowel disorders.
  • Further research into the long-term effects and optimal management strategies for intrasacral meningoceles is warranted.
Abstract

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