[Localized colitis cystica profunda]

Colitis cystica profunda is a rare and benign disease of the colon and rectum, generally encountered in younger adults. It is characterized by submucous displacement of tubular glands, formation of intramural glandular cysts and fibromuscular obliteration of the submucosa. It is chiefly located in the rectum and usually has the clinical aspect of a tumor. Clinical pattern, etiology and diagnosis are described with reference to a personal case and 84 cases in the literature. It is emphasized that cancer must be ruled out (i.e rectal amputation is unnecessary in cystic colitis.