Megacolon as an atypical presentation of cervical myelopathy

A 61-year-old gentleman was admitted with progressive symptoms of cervical myelopathy. An MRI performed showed severe compression from C3−6 with cord signal changes. He was offered surgical intervention but the operation had to be delayed because of worsening abdominal distension. X-rays performed showed a severely dilated colon measuring >12 cm. A CT did not show any obstructive cause. He was managed conservatively for more than 2 weeks but did not improve. As his symptoms continued to worsen, a decision was made to proceed with a C3−6 posterior decompression and fusion, despite the theoretical risk of bacterial translocation predisposing him to infection. Postoperatively, he improved significantly. Interestingly, his abdominal distention had also improved and a repeat X-ray showed complete resolution of the megacolon. In conclusion, this case highlights that long standing cervical cord compression may be a cause for an “atonic” megacolon. Once all causes of intestinal obstruction are excluded, surgical decompression of the cervical stenosis should proceed, and need not be delayed for the megacolon resolve spontaneously.