Abstract
Constipation is a common presenting complaint in children. Rectal duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that need to be considered in patients with chronic constipation that has not responded to typical therapy and in pa-tients presenting with rectal bleeding. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion when diagnosing this condi-tion as other congenital malformations may be present and rectal duplication cysts have the potential for malignant transformation if they go unrecognized. This case report describes a 12 year old female with chronic constipation and rectal bleeding who was found to have a rectal duplication cyst. It discusses the pathophysiology of the disease and highlights the options available for treatment.
Highlights
Constipation is a common presenting complaint in children, accounting for up to 5% of all pediatrician appointments and an additional $3.9 billion per year in healthcare costs compared to children without constipation [1]
Rectal duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that need to be considered in patients with chronic constipation that has not responded to typical therapy and in patients presenting with rectal bleeding
It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion when diagnosing this condition as other congenital malformations may be present and rectal duplication cysts have the potential for malignant transformation if they go unrecognized
Summary
Constipation is a common presenting complaint in children, accounting for up to 5% of all pediatrician appointments and an additional $3.9 billion per year in healthcare costs compared to children without constipation [1]. But potentially serious cause of chronic constipation is a rectal duplication cyst. Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital malformations seen in 1 out of every 4500 autopsies. Rectal duplications represent approximately 5% of alimentary tract duplications [2] with fewer than 100 reported cases in the literature. We will present the case of a 12-year-old female with chronic constipation and rectal bleeding who was found to have a rectal duplication cyst and developed a complicated clinical course due to delayed diagnosis. We will review the clinical and radiological tools used in early detection of rectal duplication cysts, discuss the diagnostic implications of this congenital malformation, and note the management options that are currently available
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