Abstract
We report a case of rectal stenosis, possibly caused by penetration of the rectum. An 84-year-old man seen for constipation and abdominal distension had on abdominal X-ray showing subileus findings. Neither physical nor laboratory examinations revealed any inflammatory findings. Digital examination of the rectum revealed a hard rectal tumor. Abdominal CT showed a tumor-like lesion in the Ra-rectum, and, moreover, barium enema examination revealed complete rectal obstruction. The patient could pass gas and defecate softly. Colonoscopy showed rectal stenosis, and suspicion of a submucosal tumor, without rectal cancer. The colonoscope barely passed through the stricture portion. During surgery, we identified a hard inflammatory lesion within the mesenterium of the Ra-rectum, which, after resection, histologically showed no malignant tissue. Complete penetration of the proper muscular layer of the rectal wall with severe inflammatory infiltration, and disappearance of epithelial cells, possibly caused by diverticulitis, were demonstrated.
