Intestinal Endometriosis: A Sigmoid Mass Mimicking a Colic Neoplasm

Abstract

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Bowel endometriosis: an unusual cause of rectal bleeding

“…Nonetheless, the finding of rectal bleeding in intestinal endometriosis, as demonstrated in this case, is extremely rare because the endometrioses foci are usually limited to the serosa . Differential diagnoses are quite extensive and include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal neoplasm or diverticular disease . Furthermore, it can also present in women without a known history of endometriosis as demonstrated in this case.…”

“…It occurs in up to 3–37% of patients with extra‐pelvic endometriosis with 50–90% of intestinal endometriosis occurring in the rectosigmoid junction . It may be suspected in the presence of symptoms such as abdomino‐pelvic pain, changes in bowel motions, painful defecation and rectal bleeding that is often cyclical in nature . Nonetheless, the finding of rectal bleeding in intestinal endometriosis, as demonstrated in this case, is extremely rare because the endometrioses foci are usually limited to the serosa .…”

“…It may be suspected in the presence of symptoms such as abdomino‐pelvic pain, changes in bowel motions, painful defecation and rectal bleeding that is often cyclical in nature . Nonetheless, the finding of rectal bleeding in intestinal endometriosis, as demonstrated in this case, is extremely rare because the endometrioses foci are usually limited to the serosa . Differential diagnoses are quite extensive and include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal neoplasm or diverticular disease .…”

“…Intestinal endometriosis is a rare cause for rectal bleeding; diagnosis is often difficult and delayed . It occurs in up to 3–37% of patients with extra‐pelvic endometriosis with 50–90% of intestinal endometriosis occurring in the rectosigmoid junction .…”

“…Furthermore, it can also present in women without a known history of endometriosis as demonstrated in this case. Mucosal biopsies are often unhelpful as it mainly involves the serosa . Nonetheless, erosion through the subserosal layers may occur and cause marked thickening and fibrosis of the muscularis propria .…”