Giant rectal vascular malformation: a rare differential diagnosis in rectal bleeding

Lukas Schabl; Tara Connelly; Scott Steele; Hermann Kessler

doi:10.1136/bcr-2023-256038

Giant rectal vascular malformation: a rare differential diagnosis in rectal bleeding

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Sep 28;16(9):e256038. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256038.

Authors

Lukas Schabl^{1

2}, Tara Connelly³, Scott Steele⁴, Hermann Kessler⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA [email protected].
² Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
³ Department of Pediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
⁴ Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

PMID: 37770238
PMCID: PMC10546121 (available on 2025-09-28)
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256038

Abstract

Investigations in a woman with prolonged symptoms of laxative-resistant constipation and recurrent rectal bleeding revealed a giant rectal vascular malformation. Colonoscopy and MRI were performed to rule out malignancy and determine differential diagnoses. Repeated tests were necessary due to inconclusive results. After a definite diagnosis, image-guided, transcutaneously administered sclerotherapy was used. The intervention and postoperative course were uneventful. A minimally invasive procedure relieved symptoms and improved quality of life.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal surgery; Interventional radiology.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Cardiovascular Abnormalities*
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
Humans
Quality of Life
Rectum / diagnostic imaging
Vascular Malformations* / diagnosis
Vascular Malformations* / diagnostic imaging