Urachus fistula: a rare first presentation of diverticulitis

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C Dickhoff1, M M Campo, P J A Ophof

  • 1Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Case Reports in Gastroenterology
|April 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Urachus fistulas are rare in adults and often linked to Crohn's disease. This case highlights an urachus fistula as the initial sign of sigmoid colon diverticulitis, emphasizing diagnostic imaging needs.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Urology

Background:

  • Urachus fistulas are uncommon congenital anomalies, with adult presentations being particularly rare.
  • In adults, urachus fistulas are frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease, most notably Crohn's disease.

Observation:

  • A case report detailing an adult patient presenting with an urachus fistula.
  • The fistula was the initial clinical manifestation, preceding other recognized symptoms.

Findings:

  • The urachus fistula was ultimately diagnosed as a consequence of sigmoid colon diverticulitis.
  • This presentation deviates from the typical association with Crohn's disease.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering diverticulitis in the differential diagnosis of adult urachus fistulas.
  • Underscores the critical role of comprehensive preoperative diagnostic imaging to accurately identify the underlying etiology.

Keywords:
DiverticulitisFistulaUmbilicalUrachus

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