Colouterine Fistula Masquerading as a Complex Adnexal Mass: A Case Report.
Overview
abstract
BACKGROUND: Colouterine fistula is one of the rarest complications of diverticulitis, with 23 cases reported in the world literature to our knowledge. Because of its infrequent presentation, there are no standardized diagnostic modalities for this disease, but almost all patients will require surgical treatment. CASE: An afebrile, 66-year-old woman with known diverticulitis presented with vaginal bleeding and discharge of 1 day's duration. Based on imaging she was believed to have a complex adnexal mass. However, it was proven intraoperatively to be a colouterine fistula. CONCLUSION: Although extremely uncommon, the diagnosis of a colouterine fistula can be made with pelvic examination, diagnostic imaging, or surgical exploration. The surgical treatment of colouterine fistulae varies on the acuity of the patient's diverticular disease and the surgeon's suspicion of malignancy.
