Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: An Exceptional Entity in the Elderly

Salem Bouomrani,Mariem Elleuch,Safa Ourida,Ines Lamloum

doi:10.31579/2641-5194/033

Abstract

Solitary ulcer of the rectum or better the syndrome of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare benign pathology with a prevalence estimated at 1/100,000 inhabitants. It mainly affects young patients with a maximum incidence between the third and fourth decade of life, but can be seen at any age. It remains exceptional in the elderly with only few sporadic cases in the world literature. We report an original case of SRUS occurring in a 70-year-old man with no particular pathological history, who was explored for rectal bleeding with anal pain that had been evolving for two years. As rare as it is, this entity deserves to be known by any healthcare professional caring for elderly subjects because can sometimes progress unfavorably with severe and even fatal complications such as massive bleeding and perforation.

Highlights

Solitary ulcer of the rectum or better the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare benign pathology [1, 2]
Solitary ulcer of the rectum or better the syndrome of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare benign pathology with a prevalence estimated at 1/100,000 inhabitants
We report an original case of SRUS occurring in a 70-year-old man with no particular pathological history, who was explored for rectal bleeding with anal pain that had been evolving for two years

Summary

Introduction

Solitary ulcer of the rectum or better the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare benign pathology [1, 2]. The forms of the child and the elderly remain exceptional [3, 4] They pose a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for practitioners; in the elderly where the SUSR can mimic a carcinoma of the rectum [5] and be a cause of sometimes serious digestive bleeding [6]. This syndrome significantly affects the quality of life of these patients [4,5,6].

Discussion

Conclusion