Rectovaginal fistula due to undiagnosed rectal tuberculosis in a nulliparous young woman: A case report

Introduction: Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) can arise from various etiologies, the most common cause especially in developing countries is obstetric injury. Uncommonly, rectal tuberculosis can present as RVF, posing a diagnostic and treatment challenge especially in a patient without established risk factors. The first case of rectal tuberculosis was reported by Davis et al., in 1957, and a 2022 systematic review identified only 28 cases reported since then. Presentation of Case: we report the case of a 25-year-old college woman who presented with a 3-month history of lower abdominal pain and fecal passage per vagina. She had undergone a failed RVF repair attempt at another hospital. Examination revealed a single rectovaginal fistula with surrounding granulation tissue, despite the absence of prior TB history. Investigations revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation and acid-fast bacilli on biopsy, confirming rectal tuberculosis as the cause of RVF. She received a 6-month course of anti-tuberculous medication after which she underwent a successful surgical repair of the RVF via a transverse transvaginal approach. Discussion: Rectal tuberculosis is a rare condition, typically occurring in the third and fourth decades of life. The ileocecal junction is the most common site for gastrointestinal TB Risk factors include impaired immunity. It is usually secondary to pulmonary TB, Diagnosis can be challenging due to the varied symptoms, which can overlap with other conditions like rectal cancer. Treatment involves a 6-month course of antituberculosis medication, and surgery may be needed for complications like rectovaginal fistula. Conclusion: this case highlights the atypical presentation of tuberculosis and emphasizes the importance of considering tuberculosis as a cause of RVF especially in young patients without apparent risk factors living in TB-endemic areas. It also highlights the challenges in differentiating TB-induced RVF from other causes of RVF.