A rare cause of severe rectal bleeding: solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

Nafiye Urganc1, Derya Kalyoncu, Merve Usta

  • 1From the * Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology; †Department of Pediatrics; and ‡Department of Pathology, Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|October 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare pediatric condition often misdiagnosed. This case highlights severe rectal bleeding as a key symptom, emphasizing the need for prompt recognition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare, benign condition affecting children.
  • It is frequently misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with common pediatric ailments.

Observation:

  • The patient presented with severe rectal bleeding, a hallmark symptom of SRUS.
  • Other associated symptoms include constipation, mucous discharge, straining, tenesmus, and abdominal pain.

Findings:

  • SRUS diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring a high index of suspicion.
  • Rectal bleeding severity in SRUS can range from mild to life-threatening hemorrhage.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and diagnosis of SRUS are crucial for appropriate management.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare conditions in pediatric differential diagnoses, especially with severe symptoms.

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