Ectopic gastric mucosa in rectum: a rare cause of rectal bleeding in children

M C Menchaca Marines1, H G Posselt, K L Waag

  • 1Center of Pediatrics, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, F.R.G.

Insights

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the rectum caused rectal bleeding and abdominal pain in a child. Surgical removal resolved symptoms, confirming this rare condition as a treatable cause of pediatric gastrointestinal bleeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Heterotopic gastric mucosa is rare in the rectum.
  • It can present with gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain in children.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old boy presented with rectal bleeding and colicky abdominal pain.
  • Technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy showed increased uptake in the rectum and left colon.

Findings:

  • Endoscopic and histologic examination confirmed heterotopic gastric mucosa exclusively in the rectum.
  • The left colon uptake was a false positive on scintigraphy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of correlating imaging findings with endoscopic and histologic data.
  • Surgical excision is an effective treatment for symptomatic rectal heterotopic gastric mucosa in children.

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