[Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome]

The solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is an infrequent entity consisting of a rectal lesion, caused by straining during defecation; it is characterized by specific histological changes. The condition is most frequent in adults between 30 and 50 years of age, but a few pediatric cases have been reported. Five patients (4 boys) are presented. All suffered from moderate rectal bleeding, straining, tenesmus and mucous discharge. One of them had clinical and endoscopic evidence of rectal prolapse. On defecography all children showed failure of pelvic floor relaxation during straining. Endoscopic evaluation showed single or multiple ulcers in four patients and a nodular fibrotic lesion in one. The histopathology of the rectal mucosa revealed replacement of the stroma of the lamina propria by collagen, lack of orientation of smooth muscle fibers and considerable hyperthopy of the muscularis mucosae. Medical treatment was satisfactory in four patients, one case required transabdominal rectopexy for relief of his symptoms. The most appropriate form of treatment has not been determined, but surgery should be used when prolapse is a prominent clinical feature. Greater awareness of this condition will lead to more frequent diagnosis.