[Anterior sacral meningocele with urologic manifestations. Report of 3 cases]

Abstract

Anterior sacral meningocele is defined as a spinal fluid-filled thecal sac in the pelvis communicating with the spinal subarachnoid space through a defect in the anterior sacral wall. Since scimitar shape of the sacrum is characteristic, diagnosis is easily confirmed by echography and myelography. The sac very often contains benign tumors and a thickened filum terminale which can achieve a tethered cord syndrome. This congenital malformation, whose autosomal inherited condition has been proposed, has usually few characteristic symptoms but can present itself as a neurogenic bladder from tethered cord origin. Neurosurgical treatment can prevent rupture of the meningocele with meningitis. In addition to symptomatic treatment of the neurogenic bladder, the urologist must advise neurosurgical operation to preserve potency and cure specific bladder dysfunction secondary to tethered cord syndrome.