New onset rectal bleeding

Abstract

A 36-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department for new onset hematochezia. Prior to arrival, the patient reported having five episodes of passing bloody stool and frank blood without associated abdominal or rectal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever. He denied rectal trauma including anal receptive intercourse. He was not on any prescription medications. On physical examination, his vital signs were normal. His abdominal examination was unremarkable, and digital rectal examination revealed an empty rectal vault.