Case report
Currarino Syndrome: A Silent Challenger to the Hirschsprung Paradigm
Correspondence Address :
Iqbal Ali,
C2704, Mahindra Antheia, Pimpri, Pune-411018, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: shananik6@gmail.com
Currarino Syndrome (CS) is a rare congenital anomaly defined by a triad of anorectal malformations, presacral mass, and sacral bony defects. Although it typically presents in early childhood, adolescent cases are increasingly recognised but often missed. Due to significant overlap in clinical features, CS may be mistaken for more prevalent conditions such as Hirschsprung’s Disease (HD). This diagnostic ambiguity often leads to prolonged evaluation, repeated testing, higher healthcare costs, and patient dissatisfaction. We present the case of an 18-year-old female with a 12-year history of severe, refractory constipation who was initially evaluated for HD. Cross-sectional imaging ultimately revealed sacral agenesis, a presacral mass, and a tethered cord, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CS. The patient subsequently underwent neurosurgical detethering and mass excision, resulting in substantial symptomatic relief. This case underscores the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for CS in adolescent patients with unexplained constipation, particularly when initial investigations are inconclusive. Early recognition is essential to ensure appropriate management and to avoid the burden of delayed diagnosis.
Anorectal malformations, Case report, Chronic constipation, Presacral mass, Sacral agenesis, Tethered cord
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2025/81369.21945
Date of Submission: Jun 19, 2025
Date of Peer Review: Jul 01, 2025
Date of Acceptance: Jul 24, 2025
Date of Publishing: Nov 01, 2025
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. Yes
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Jun 30, 2025
• Manual Googling: Jul 19, 2025
• iThenticate Software: Jul 22, 2025 (7%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
EMENDATIONS: 5
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