Abstract
Cryptoglandular anal fistulas arise from inflammation of the proctodeal glands of the intersphincteric space. The mucus secretions of the anal glands empty into the anal crypts, thereby lubricating the anus. Anal glands are present in the subepithelium and the internal sphincter, with a large number also deeply sited within the intersphincteric space [1]. Infection of these intersphincteric glands is thought to give rise to an intersphincteric abscess if the draining duct is blocked by the resulting infectious debris. The abscess may resolve by spontaneous drainage into the anal canal or it may progress to an acute anorectal abscess that, in most cases, subsequently develops into a perianal fistula. Perianal fistula is therefore a communication between an opening at the level of the dentate line and in the perianal region represents the chronic manifestation of the intersphincteric abscess.
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Maconi, G., Santoro, G.A., Bezzio, C. (2013). Cryptoglandular Fistulas. In: Tonolini, M., Maconi, G. (eds) Imaging of Perianal Inflammatory Diseases. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2847-0_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2847-0_14
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