Fetal extraperitoneal rectal perforation: a rare neonatal emergency

Management of fetal extraperitoneal rectal perforation: a case series and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Fetal extraperitoneal rectal perforation (FERP) is an extremely rare entity. The objective of this report is to review the available literature on this condition and to add our experience with four additional cases managed at our institution.

METHODS

A literature search was performed for journal articles addressing this condition. Management strategies and outcomes were then analysed, together with additional information provided from retrospective record review of four cases managed at our institution.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients were identified and included, 14 from the literature and 4 from our records. Initial investigations varied between authors with contrast enema being the most frequently performed study (7/18). All patients were treated with faecal diversion via colostomy formation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 6 cases, perineal debridement and washout in 9 cases while drains were left in situ in 14 cases. At 3-6 months of age, a distal contrast study was performed before closure of colostomy.

CONCLUSION

Although FERP is a rarely encountered clinical condition, timely recognition and appropriate management can result in good outcomes. Diagnosis can be achieved based on clinical and abdominal X-ray features alone. General management principles involve a diverting colostomy and extended drainage with closure of the colostomy 3-6 months later.

Portal hypertension induced by congenital hepatic arterioportal fistula: Report of four clinical cases and review of the literature

Intrahepatic arterioportal fistula (IAPF) can be caused by many secondary factors. We report four cases of portal hypertension that were eventually determined to be caused by congenital hepatic arterioportal fistula. The clinical manifestations included ascites, variceal hemorrhage and hepatic encephalopathy. Computed tomography scans from all of the patients revealed the early enhancement of the portal branches in the hepatic arterial phase. All patients were diagnosed using digital subtraction angiography (DSA). DSA before embolization revealed an arteriovenous fistula with immediate filling of the portal venous radicles. All four patients were treated with interventional embolization. The four patients remained in good condition throughout follow-up and at the time of publication. IAPF is frequently misdiagnosed due to its rarity; therefore, clinicians should consider IAPF as a potential cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Fetal extraperitoneal rectal perforation presenting after duodenal atresia repair

Fetal extraperitoneal rectal perforation (FERP) is a very rare condition, but prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment produce overall good outcome. We report the first case of FERP known to be associated with duodenal atresia, which only became clinically apparent after duodenal atresia repair and initially presented a diagnostic difficulty. Our case was successfully treated with a defunctioning colostomy and subsequent excision of the pseudocyst cavity. Proximal atresias can mask the presentation of FERP, and this diagnosis should be considered in cases of neonatal perineal and buttock swelling.