A unique presentation of Colovesical fistula

Abstract

A colovesical fistula (CVF) is a pathological connection between the colon and the urinary bladder. Although they are uncommon, consequences can severely affect quality of life and mortality. Diverticula are the most common cause of CVF. This case details a patient's CVF diagnosis in the emergency department with unremitting gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms. A 78-year-old male patient with recent hospitalization for stroke and left carotid endarterectomy complicated by urinary retention treated with a Foley catheter presented to the Emergency Department with a chief complaint of hematuria and unremitting diarrhea. Foley exchange resulted in improved urinary retention and diarrhea during hospitalization. One day following hospital discharge, the patient presented again with a blocked Foley catheter and diarrhea. Foley irrigations resulting in near immediate diarrhea and lack of bladder filling on bladder scan portended to a diagnosis of colovesical fistula despite no history diverticula or colon malignancy. An abdominal/pelvic computed tomography scan and cystogram confirmed a colovesical fistula. This case highlights the need for consideration of colovesical fistula in a seemingly simple ED complaint of urinary retention. It is prudent to closely follow bladder scan volumes when flushing a Foley catheter. Given the significant comorbidities such as urosepsis and health care impact of repeat ED visits and hospitalizations, CVF can and should be entertained and rapidly diagnosed in the emergency department. Our case highlights the need for consideration of a vesico-colic fistula despite the absence of initial relevant risk factors.

Keywords: CVF; Fecaluria; Pneumaturia; Vesico-colic fistula.