A neuroenteric fistula is a rare congenital defect that may present acutely or chronically. It can be fatal if undiagnosed.
Basis: persistent communication between the embryonic neural tube and the gut.
Age at presentation: from neonate to adult, depending on when an actual communication develops at a site with the congenital defect.
Clinical findings may include one or more of the following:
(1) recurrent episodes of meningitis, often with anaerobic bacteria, in the absence of pneumonia or other explanation for the infection
(2) persistent CSF leak, which may appear in an unexpected area and without preceding trauma
(3) abscess adjacent to the fistula tract
(4) recurrent sepsis
Most fistulae occur in the thoracic region but can occur in the lumbosacral area.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Neurology
