[Primary colonic linitis plastica. Apropos of 3 new cases]

Primary linitis plastica of the colon is unfrequent. Since Laufmann and Saphir's first cases in 1951, less than 50 cases have been described, to which our three new cases now add. The intramural origin with late involvement of the mucosa delays the onset of clinical signs, and accounts for the rarity of overt bleeding and for the frequent failure of biopsy. The radiological appearance is that a tubular colic narrowing without ulceration or intraluminal process. Endoscopy shows regular, centered stenosis with few modifications of the mucosa. The clinicopathological diagnosis is primarily microscopic: presence of isolate mucosecretory neoplastic cells infiltrating the whole wall of the colon without destroying it. Because of its potential for local invasion and of its centripetal extension, linits is often detected only at the equivalent of stage C (Astler-Coller). The prognosis is poor, with survival averaging 1 year after the onset of the first clinical signs.