Focal hemolymphangioma of the rectum: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rationale: Gastrointestinal hemolymphangiomas are very rare, especially in the rectum. Only 3 cases of rectal hemolymphangioma, all of which are diffuse lesions, have been reported in the English literature on PubMed. Our case is the first focal lesion of the rectum. It is important for radiologists to correctly identify the imaging features of rectal hemolymphangiomas. Patient concerns: A 51-year-old woman visited our hospital because of intermittent constipation for 3 years. Diagnoses: Colonoscopy revealed a prominent lesion on the left anterior wall of the lower rectum. Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography showed that the posterior vaginal wall area had a mixed-echo mass, and blood flow signals of the dots and stripes could be seen. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed that the cystic space-occupying lesion in the region between the left anterior wall of the lower rectum and the posterior wall of the middle and lower vagina had a clear boundary. Interventions: The patient underwent surgery to remove the rectal lesions. The surgical specimen was finally diagnosed as local hemolymphangioma by pathological analysis. Lessons: Localized hemolymphangioma of the rectum is very rare, and imaging examination is essential for the diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of lesion invasion.