Pneumorrhachis Secondary to a Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with Pre-Sacral Abscess—Case Report and Review
Razvan Diaconescu,
Dorel Popovici,
Cristi Tarta,
Alexandru Isaic,
Dan Costachescu,
Bogdan Totolici
Affiliations
Razvan Diaconescu
Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Dorel Popovici
Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Cristi Tarta
Department X, 2nd Surgical Clinic, Researching Future Chirurgie 2, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Alexandru Isaic
Department X, 2nd Surgical Clinic, Researching Future Chirurgie 2, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Dan Costachescu
Discipline of Radiology and Medical Imaging, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Bogdan Totolici
Departments of General Surgery, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
The occurrence of pneumorrhachis (PR), defined as the presence of air within the spinal canal, presents a complex clinical picture with diverse etiological factors. We report an exceedingly rare case of PR arising from locally advanced rectal cancer accompanied by a pre-sacral abscess. This report aims to enhance awareness and understanding of rare causes of PR within the medical community, particularly among surgeons engaged in emergency procedures. The patient survived the acute phase of the disease through multiple surgical interventions and admission to the intensive care unit, but succumbed to cardiovascular complications three weeks later. We also offer a brief review of the literature concerning PR originating from the colorectal lumen.
