Diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the rectum and sigmoid colon

Abstract

Abstract A case of diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the rectum and sigmoid colon is presented and previous literature on the subject reviewed. Intestinal haemangiomas present difficulties with diagnosis mainly due to lack of familiarity consequent upon their rarity, but they present an important cause of intestinal haemorrhage. Diagnostically, the triad of bleeding per rectum, cutaneous haemangiomas, and phleboliths on radiography provide enough evidence to indicate an intestinal haemangioma. Bleeding often occurs in, or dates from, an early period of life; barium contrast radiography should provide adequate confirmatory evidence as changes are characteristic of the cavernous type. The prospects for operative cure are good following resection of the diseased intestine.