Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children: a prospective study of cases from southern Iran

Endoscopic resection of polypoid solitary rectal ulcer: A novel first-line therapeutic strategy using snare-assisted mucosal and fibrosis resection

Objectives

To propose a novel first-line endoscopic therapy for treating polypoid lesions in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (P-SRUS), the rarest and most challenging subtype of SRUS, which encompasses various endoscopic findings including mucosal erythema, superficial or deep ulcers, and polypoid lesions.

Methods

A prospective, single-arm study was conducted on 56 patients with histologically confirmed SRUS and broad-based polypoid lesions in the rectum and anal canal. These patients were referred to the Department of Motility Disorders of the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract. The lesions were removed using snare-assisted mucosal and fibrosis resection. Patients were monitored for clinical and endoscopic responses at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Results

The study observed improvement in clinical symptoms, a complete endoscopic response, and the absence of late complications following endoscopic resection. Endoscopic evaluations revealed no recurrence of lesions in the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Endoscopic resection using the snare-assisted mucosal and fibrosis resection method appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for polypoid SRUS. (Clinical Trial Registration Number: IRCT20211101052935N2).

Navigating Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Surgeon's Conundrum With Rectal Carcinoma in a Young Adult

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare, chronic, and benign disorder. It can be observed as ulcers in the rectal mucosa, solitary or multiple lesions. It can often be misdiagnosed with other intestinal morbidities, due to its clinical similarities. It can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms, radiological tools, and histopathological examination. Management is carried out by conservative methods such as lifestyle and dietary modifications with medical and surgical therapy. This is a case of a 37-year-old female with a major complaint of per-rectal bleeding. Proctoscopy revealed an irregular-ulcerated mass in the rectum, which was managed conservatively. The patient showed improved symptoms after a colonoscopy, at a six-month follow-up.

Disease patterns among Saudi children undergoing colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Single tertiary care center experience

Background

: The yield of colonoscopy in cases presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) in previously published studies varies according to several factors, including endoscopic skills, histopathological experience, and pattern of colonic pathology in different countries. The local literature is limited to a single small 20-year-old study. Our objective was to provide updated data on the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in Saudi children with LGIB in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

: This was a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (0-14 years of age) who underwent colonoscopy for LGIB at the King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), from 2008 to 2018. LGIB was defined as fresh or dark blood per rectum.

Results

: During the study period, 175 children underwent colonoscopy for LGIB (99 males, mean age 7.05 ± 3.81 years), which constituted 53.5% of indications for colonoscopy procedures (n = 327) in our center. The terminal ileum was intubated in 81% of the procedures. Overall, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was the most commonly identified cause of LGIB (32% ) followed by colonic lymphonodular hyperplasia (CLNH) in 17% and juvenile polyp and rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome (RMPS), 11% each. On sub-analysis, cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and CLNH were the most common causes in infants and toddlers, 35% each; IBD (26.5%) and polyps (22.4%) in young children (2-6 years), and IBD (36%), CLNH (14.9%) and RMPS (14%) in older children (6-14 years). In comparing the IBD to the non-IBD group, IBD patients were older (mean 8.37 vs. 6.46 years, P = 0.002) and more likely to have diarrhea, weight loss, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio 24, 11, 10.7, 6.5, and 4, respectively). Colonoscopy had a sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 81.4%, and accuracy of 97% in diagnosing LGIB.

Conclusion

: Colonoscopy is an effective diagnostic tool in children with LGIB with a high diagnostic yield. Besides IBD, CLNH and RMPS are two other important pathologic entities that need to be considered in a child with LGIB.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in a young adult - A surgeon's dilemma with rectal carcinoma

The presentation of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is very similar to a wide variety of conditions including inflammatory bowel diseases, ischemic colitis and rectal carcinoma. Histopathological examination comes as an important tool for its diagnosis. Hence, high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of this rare condition.

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome in Children: A Report of 140 Cases

OBJECTIVES

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is said to be rare in children (largest series so far; 55 in children, 116 in adults). We analyzed our experience to look at its clinical presentations, endoscopic appearance, and treatment outcome in a large cohort of children.

METHODS

Clinical and endoscopic data were collected between 2000 and 2018. Children (18 years or younger) diagnosed to have SRUS on colonoscopy and confirmed by histopathology were included. All children with SRUS were treated with behavioral modification, bulk laxative. Most with ulcer received steroid enema and some sulfasalazine or sucralfate enema.

RESULTS

The median age of 140 children was 12 (interquartile range [IQR]: 10-14) years, 79% were boys. The median symptom duration was 21 (IQR: 9-36) months. Rectal bleeding was the presenting feature in 131 (93.6%); constipation in 38 (27%); and small, frequent stools in 79 (56%). Most children had features of dyssynergic defecation such as prolonged sitting in the toilet (131, 93.6%), excessive straining (138, 98.6%), a feeling of incomplete evacuation (130, 92.8%), and rectal digitation (71, 50.7%). Rectal prolapse was noted in 24 (17%) cases. Colonoscopy documented rectal ulcer in 101 (72%) [Single: 84]. Over a median follow-up of 6 (IQR: 4-18) months, 27 patients were lost to follow-up and of the remaining 113 cases, 71 (62.8%) showed clinical improvement (healing of ulcer documented in 36/82, 44%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of cases of SRUS presented in second decade with rectal bleeding and features of dyssynergic defecation. Ulcer was noted in three fourths of cases. The outcome of medical treatment with behavioral modification and local therapy was modest.

A Clinical Entity Often Missed-Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome in Children

Background: Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome (SRUS) was a relatively uncommon and easily misdiagnosed clinical entity in children. The diagnosis of this condition was often delayed due to lack of clinical suspicion. Only case series were available and no definitive treatment was postulated. Here, we share our experience of SRUS in our institute and reviewed the literature published so far. Aim: To study the clinical profile and treatment response of Solitary Rectal ulcer Syndrome in Children (SRUS). Materials: The clinical profile and 1 year follow up response of the diagnosed cases of SRUS over a period of 5 years was retrospectively collected from medical record department. Results: The median age of presentation among 24 children was 8 years with majority (75%) above 5 years. All children presented with intermittent rectal bleeding with median duration of 5.5 months. The other presenting symptoms documented were hard stool (79%), mucorrhea (70%), and abdominal pain (58%). One child presented with rectal prolapse. On colonoscopy, 46% had single ulcer while another 46% had multiple ulcers and 8% had polypoidal lesion. All lesions were within distal rectum and had characteristic histological pattern. All children were treated with conventional treatment like dietary fibers and laxatives along with toilet training. About 75% children attained remission and 25% had relapse but responded with corticosteroid enema. None required surgery. Conclusion: Conventional treatments itself induce and maintain remission in most of SRUS patients if treatment is instituted at the earliest. Thus, early suspicion and diagnosis is needed to achieve remission.

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a multifactorial pathology, which entails a variety of clinical, histologic and endoscopic aspects that needs step-wise logical approach for management especially in relapsing refractory cases. Apart from the diagnostic dilemma that may be faced due to similarities of presentation with inflammatory bowel diseases or colorectal neoplastic lesions, the syndrome also overlaps with dyssynergic defecation syndrome, health anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and latent mucosal rectal prolapse, a systematic composite treatment modality including psychological, pharmacological, physiological and possibly surgical interventions are sometimes essential. Selecting appropriate treatment in this condition not only affects clinical outcome but also patients’ experience and further stigma of SRUS life-long. In this review, we will discuss the detailed pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in dealing with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of medical treatments for the management of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIM

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a benign, poorly understood disorder that is difficult to manage. Medical interventions such as sucralfate, sulfasalzine, human fibrin, and a high fibre diet are reported as the first line of treatment. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of medical treatments for SRUS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for randomised clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies that evaluated medical treatments for SRUS. Two authors independently performed selection of eligible studies based on eligiblity criteria. Data extraction from potentially eligible studies was carried out according to predefined data collection methods. Medical treatments, including sucralfate, sulfasalzine, human fibrin, a high fibre diet, and psyllium powder as a single or combination therapy were compared to placebo alone or combined with other treatments. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with ulcer remission; this was presented as pooled prevalence (PP) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The I² value and Q statistic test were used to test for heterogeneity. In the presence of heterogeneity, a random-effects model was applied.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies with 216 patients (males = 118, females = 98) diagnosed with SRUS were analysed in the final meta-analysis. The pooled effect estimate of treatment efficacy revealed that, of the patients receiving medical treatment, 57% had resolution of their ulcers (PP 0.57; 95% CI; 0.41 to 0.73). Statistically significant heterogeneity was observed (I² = 63%; τ2 = 0.64, P= <0.01). The scarcity of RCTs comparing medical treatments with other interventions was a major limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients receiving medical treatment for the management of SRUS experience resolution of their ulcers.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Solitary rectal ulcer (SRUS) may mislead the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or rectal polyps, which may reduce the actual prevalence of it. Various treatments for SRUS have been described that can be referred to therapeutic strategies such as biofeedback, enema of corticosteroid, topical therapy, and rectal mucosectomy. Nevertheless, biofeedback should be considered as the first stage of treatment, while surgical procedures have been offered for those who do not respond to conservative management and biofeedback or those who have total rectal prolapse and rectal full-thickness.

METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive search will be performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, our study discusses the factors involved in the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients. This review can provide recommended strategies in a comprehensive and targeted vision for patients suffering from this syndrome.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: Is it really a rare condition in children?

AIM: To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of the children with solitary rectal ulcer.

METHODS: Fifty-five children with a confirmed diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer were studied in a period of 11 years from March 2003 to March 2014. All data were collected from the patients, their parents and medical records in the hospital.

RESULTS: From 55 studied patients, 41 were male (74.5%) and 14 female (25.5%). The mean age of the patients was 10.4 ± 3.7 years and the average time period from the beginning of symptoms to diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer was 15.5 ± 11.2 mo. The most common clinical symptoms in our patients were rectal bleeding (n = 54, 98.2%) and straining during defecation or forceful defecation (n = 50, 90.9%). Other symptoms were as follows respectively: Sense of incomplete evacuation (n = 34, 61.8%), mucorrhea (n = 29, 52.7%), constipation (n = 14, 25.4%), tenesmus and cramping (n = 10, 18.2%), diarrhea (n = 9, 16.4%), and rectal pain (n = 5, 9.1%). The colonoscopic examination revealed 67.3% ulcer, 12.7% polypoid lesions, 10.9% erythema, 7.3% both polypoid lesions and ulcer, and 1.8% normal. Most of the lesions were in the rectosigmoid area at a distance of 4-6 cm from the anal margin. Finally, 69.8% of the patients recovered successfully with conservative, medical and surgical management.

CONCLUSION: The study revealed that solitary rectal ulcer is not so uncommon despite what was seen in previous studies. As the most common symptom was rectal bleeding, clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with this disorder and common symptoms in order to prevent its complications with early diagnosis.

A rare cause of severe rectal bleeding: solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare benign disorder in children which often goes unrecognized or easily misdiagnosed with other common diseases. It usually presents with rectal bleeding, constipation, mucous discharge, prolonged straining, tenesmus, and lower abdominal pain. The rectal bleeding varies from a little fresh blood to severe hemorrhage that requires blood transfusion. We report herein a pediatric case of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome who admitted to pediatric emergency department with severe rectal bleeding for reminding this rare syndrome.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children: a report of six cases

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare, benign disorder in children that usually presents with rectal bleeding, constipation, mucous discharge, prolonged straining, tenesmus, lower abdominal pain, and localized pain in the perineal area. The underlying etiology is not well understood, but it is secondary to ischemic changes and trauma in the rectum associated with paradoxical contraction of the pelvic floor and the external anal sphincter muscles; rectal prolapse has also been implicated in the pathogenesis. This syndrome is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and endoscopic and histological findings, but SRUS often goes unrecognized or is easily confused with other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, amoebiasis, malignancy, and other causes of rectal bleeding such as a juvenile polyps. SRUS should be suspected in patients experiencing rectal discharge of blood and mucus in addition to previous disorders of evacuation. We herein report six pediatric cases with SRUS.

An unusual endoscopic presentation of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon rectal disorder. Massive rectal bleeding is a rare presentation of SRUS, and can pose an endoscopic challenge in differentiating from other causes of massive rectal bleeding. A 22-year-old man presented with massive rectal bleeding which had SRUS with spurting bleeding on lower endoscopic evaluation. He was treated by endoscopic hemostasis using argon plasma coagulation. He had no complaint after a month and follow up lower endoscopy proved complete healing within two months. SRUS should be considered as a potential cause of massive rectal bleeding.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children: a literature review

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a benign and chronic disorder well known in young adults and less in children. It is often related to prolonged excessive straining or abnormal defecation and clinically presents as rectal bleeding, copious mucus discharge, feeling of incomplete defecation, and rarely rectal prolapse. SRUS is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and endoscopic and histological findings. The current treatments are suboptimal, and despite correct diagnosis, outcomes can be unsatisfactory. Some treatment protocols for SRUS include conservative management such as family reassurance, regulation of toilet habits, avoidance of straining, encouragement of a high-fiber diet, topical treatments with salicylate, sulfasalazine, steroids and sucralfate, and surgery. In children, SRUS is relatively uncommon but troublesome and easily misdiagnosed with other common diseases, however, it is being reported more than in the past. This condition in children is benign; however, morbidity is an important problem as reflected by persistence of symptoms, especially rectal bleeding. In this review, we discuss current diagnosis and treatment for SRUS.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the presenting symptoms, endoscopic and histologic findings, and clinical courses of pediatric patients diagnosed with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS).

METHODS

We describe 15 cases of SRUS diagnosed at our institution during a 13-year period. Cases were identified by review of a pathology database and chart review and confirmed by review of biopsies. Data were collected by retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

Presenting symptoms were consistent but nonspecific, most commonly including blood in stools, diarrhea alternating with constipation, and abdominal/perianal pain. Fourteen of 15 patients had normal hemoglobin/hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and albumin at diagnosis. Endoscopic findings, all limited to the distal rectum, ranged from erythema to ulceration and polypoid lesions. Histology revealed characteristic findings. Stool softeners and mesalamine suppositories improved symptoms, but relapse was common.

CONCLUSIONS

SRUS in children presents with nonspecific symptoms and endoscopic findings. Clinical suspicion is required, and diagnosis requires histologic confirmation. Response to present treatments is variable.

Clinical presentation of and outcome for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon but troublesome and easily misdiagnosed condition of childhood. We have reviewed the presentation and outcome following conservative management of a group of children with SRUS attending a single national paediatric gastrointesinal referral unit.

METHODS

Eight children were identified with histology-proven SRUS. Chart review was conducted for relevant history and examination at diagnosis. Patients were contacted to assess success of treatment at the time of follow-up.

RESULTS

Symptoms at presentation included repeated prolonged and ineffectual straining at stool, passage of blood/mucous per rectum, diarrhoea, and constipation. Most children were referred with suspected constipation, diarrhoea, or inflammatory bowel disease. On the basis of retrospective chart review, 7 of 8 children responded well to conservative management (behavioural modification programme involving reduction of time spent straining at defecation). The child failing treatment could not comply with advice because of comorbid autism. Six of the initial responders were available for follow-up. Four were asymptomatic. Two had relapsed and were not compliant with the management programme.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

SRUS can masquerade as more common childhood intestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or constipation. A biopsy is required for diagnosis, because ulceration may not be apparent at the time of endoscopy. Most patients with SRUS in childhood have a satisfactory outcome using a simple behavioural modification approach. Ongoing follow-up to reinforce behavioural modification is important and may avoid long-term, treatment-resistant disease into adulthood.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome presenting as polypoid mass lesions in a young girl

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare condition in children. We report a case of SRUS in an 8-year old Saudi girl who presented with recurrent rectal bleeding, intermittent mucosal prolapse, and passage of mucus per rectum. Colonoscopy revealed multiple polypoid mass lesions with histopathological features of SRUS. The polypoid variant of SRUS is very rare in children and may be confused with rectal malignant or inflammatory conditions.

Healing of solitary rectal ulcers with multiple sessions of argon plasma coagulation

BACKGROUND

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon disorder of evacuation. Management of bleeding ulcers is usually unsatisfactory with conventional treatment. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been reported to control bleeding; however, it has not been shown to result in ulcer healing. The aim of the present study was to: (i) to investigate the efficacy and safety of APC in controlling bleeding from SRUS; and (ii) to study its efficacy in the healing of ulcer/s.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with bleeding SRUS diagnosed on clinical, colonoscopic, and histological findings were randomized to receive either standard care alone (12 patients) or to undergo multiple sessions of APC in addition (12 patients). All patients were followed up to determine ulcer healing.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with a mean duration of symptoms of 12.6 +/- 4.8 months were included. Bleeding was controlled with one (n = 5) or two sessions (n = 7) of APC. Reduction in size and depth of ulcer was noted. Eight out of 12 patients who received APC had complete healing of ulcers after four to eight sessions, carried out 2-4 weeks apart. The remaining four patients had a reduction in size and depth of ulcers compared to their pretreatment appearance. All patients were advised to have a high intake of fluids, fiber and laxatives, and to undergo biofeedback and behavior modification therapy in addition to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

APC controls bleeding in patients with SRUS and it also improves the healing of these ulcers.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: a case series

A retrospective analysis of the clinical profile, endoscopic features and management of 22 children (age 18 months-18 years) diagnosed as solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is presented. The majority (81.8%) were ≥8 years of age. Rectal bleeding was the presenting feature in all the children. Mucorrhea, constipation, tenesmus and rectal prolapse were observed in 77.3%, 63.6%, 59% and 13.6% children, respectively. Colonoscopy showed classical single rectal ulcer in 68.2% and multiple ulcers in 22.7%. Polypoidal and erosive lesions were documented in 4.5% each. The medical management comprised of bowel training and high fibre diet for all children. The other modalities included oral 5-amino salicylate (59%), sucralfate enema (4.5%) and rectal mesalamine in 9%. 64% children recovered and 13.6% had recurrence of symptoms.

Healing of a bleeding solitary rectal ulcer with multiple sessions of argon plasma

BACKGROUND

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon disorder of evacuation. Management of bleeding ulcers is usually unsatisfactory with conventional treatments. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been reported in case reports to control bleeding; however, it has not been shown to result in ulcer healing.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of APC in controlling bleeding from SRUS and to study its efficacy in eventual healing of ulcers.

DESIGN

A randomized, controlled trial of the management of 24 consecutive patients with SRUS.

SETTING

The gastroenterology unit at 2 tertiary care hospitals.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four patients with bleeding SRUS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Control of bleeding and endoscopic healing of SRUS.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with bleeding SRUS, whose diagnoses were based on clinical, colonoscopic, and histologic findings, were randomized to receive either standard care only (12 patients, biofeedback therapy [BT] group) or multiple sessions of APC in addition to BT (12 patients, APC group). All patients were advised to intake a high level of fluids and fibers, laxatives, biofeedback, and behavior modification therapy in addition to the treatment. Patients were followed to determine whether ulcers healed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with symptoms that lasted 12.6 +/- 4.8 months were included. Bleeding was controlled in all 12 patients in the APC group, but only in 5 of 12 patients in BT group. We also made the following observations about healing of the ulcers: 8 of 12 patients in the APC group had complete healing of their ulcers after 4 to 8 sessions, whereas in the BT group, ulcers healed in only 2 of 12 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

APC controls the bleeding in patients with SRUS and also improves the healing of these ulcers.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: a clinicopathological study of 13 cases

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare disorder that has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation and variable endoscopic findings. To further characterize the clinical and pathological features, a retrospective, hospital-based clinicopathological study was conducted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of SRUS diagnosed at Farwania Hospital, Kuwait, between 2002 and 2007 were retrieved from the computerized filing system. The histological slides were reviewed by two authors to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical stain for smooth muscle actin (SMA) was performed. The clinical files were reviewed for clinical features and endoscopic findings.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases were identified: 8 males and 5 females. The age range was 15-85. Rectal bleeding, constipation, and abdominal pain were the most common presenting symptoms and were seen, either alone or in various combinations, in 12 of the 13 cases. Rectal ulceration was the most common endoscopic finding, being seen in 9 of the 3 cases; 3 of these cases had multiple ulcerations. Two patients had rectal polyps, with one of them having multiple polyps. The histological examination revealed surface serration, fibromuscular obliteration of the lamina propria, and crypts' distortion in all the cases. Seven of the cases had diamond crypts. Ectatic mucosal vessels were a common finding. Positivity for SMA in the lamina propria was seen in all examined cases.

CONCLUSION

SRUS is a rare disorder and only 13 cases were diagnosed in Farwania hospital over a 6-year period. The clinical presentation of our patients was variable. The presence of polyps and multiple ulcerations on endoscopy is further evidence that SRUS is a misnomer. Surface serration, fibromuscular obliteration, and crypts' distortion are the most characteristic features. The presence of diamond crypts is an additional diagnostic feature.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children

SRUS is a rare condition in children, which usually presents with a symptom complex of rectal bleeding, passage of mucus and straining on defecation, tenesmus, perineal and abdominal pain, sensation of incomplete defecation, constipation and rectal prolapse. The underlying etiology of SRUS is not fully understood but it is likely to be secondary to ischemic changes in the rectum associated with paradoxical contraction of pelvic floor and external anal sphincter muscles and rectal prolapse. Conservative measures like high intake of fluids and fibers, laxatives, biofeedback and behavior modification therapy may be beneficial for treatment of constipation. Excision of rectal ulcer and surgery of overt rectal prolapse, however, may be required in refractory cases not responding to conservative treatments. A therapeutic role for botulinum toxin injection into the external anal sphincter for treatment of SRUS associated with constipation and paradoxical contraction of pelvic floor and external anal sphincter muscles in children, may exist.