Whole spinal pneumorrhachis following perforation of the rectum: A case report

Abstract

Spinal pneumorrhachis is a relatively rare condition. Herein, we describe a case of whole spinal pneumorrhachis. A 68-year-old male, with a history of total proctocolectomy due to ulcerative colitis, had fever, diarrhea, and inflammatory reactions. Computed tomography (CT) revealed extensive epidural pneumorrhachis in the spinal canal from the cervical to sacral vertebrae. The patient was diagnosed with perforation of the rectal anastomosis and retroperitoneal abscess. Antibiotics were administered, and the abscess cavity was reduced on the follow-up CT. Pneumorrhachis in the spinal canal is often found only in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions and is rarely found in the entire spinal canal. Spinal pneumorrhachis resulting from perforation of the colon or rectum has only been reported in 6 previous cases. To differentiate diseases that cause pneumorrhachis in the spinal canal, retroperitoneal abscess, and emphysema associated with perforation of the colon and rectum should be considered.

Keywords

• Pneumorrhachis
• Spine
• Colon
• Rectum