A rare cause of rectal bleeding masquerading as proctitis.
OBJECTIVE
Diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the rectum (DCHR) is a rare benign vascular neoplasm that affects mainly young adults and can present with rectal bleeding or massive haemorrhage. We report a case of DCHR masquerading as proctitis which was diagnosed many years ago following colonoscopy. This is the first case where the DCHR was resected with subsequent formation of a colonic J pouch versus conventional colo-anal anastomosis in order to maintain good bowel function.


METHODS
Clinical case report including a review of current literature regarding DCHR.


RESULTS
This is one of few cases of DCHR reported that was initially misdiagnosed as proctitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness of this rare condition is important when investigating patients presenting with rectal bleeding to prevent unnecessary treatment and delay surgery. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent severe rectal haemorrhage.
Department of Gastroenterology, St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK. schatu@hotmail.com
Sukhdev
S
Chatu
Devinder
D
Kumar
John
J
Du Parcq
Ioannis
I
Vlahos
Richard
R
Pollok
D000328:Adult; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011349:Proctitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*