Clinical spectrum of "solitary ulcer" of the rectum

A review of 40 patients with "solitary ulcer" of the rectum confirmed by rectal biopsy has provided information about the natural history of this unusual condition. At presentation, symptoms usually were the passage of blood and mucus per rectum, alteration in bowel habits, and anorectal pain. Solitary or multiple ulcers were found within 13 cm of the anal margin in 27 patients and were usually sited anteriorly; in 13 patients macroscopic ulceration was absent, though the histopathology of the rectal biopsy specimens was otherwise similar. Rectal mucosal prolapse was found in 25 of 29 patients examined specifically for this. Thirty-one patients were followed-up for a mean period of 4.8 yr (range 1-15 yr). In 22 patients, rectal ulceration was observed at presentation. In 14 of these patients, ulceration persisted despite treatment. In 9 patients presenting without macroscopic ulceration, rectal ulcers were not observed during follow-up; thus two patient groups were apparent. Neither medical nor local surgical treatment consistently achieved relief of symptoms or healing of the lesion.