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Radiation proctitis

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Patient in treatment for a primary vaginal cancer. Presenting with rectal bleeding.

Patient Data

Age: 78
Gender: Female

CT Pelvis

ct

CT scan demonstrate a residual mass involving the right upper aspect of vagina touching the bladder floor. Diffuse thick walls to the rectosigmoid colon.

MRI Pelvis

mri

MRI demonstrates a residual mass involving the right upper aspect of the vagina touching the bladder floor.

No urethral involvement. Diffuse thick walls to the rectosigmoid colon.

Annotated image

Diffuse thick walls to the rectosigmoid colon.

Case Discussion

This patient was submitted to pelvic radiotherapy. The clinical symptoms and the presence of diffuse thick walls on rectosigmoid colon suggest a radiation proctitis

Radiation proctitis is a common problem after pelvic radiation for prostate or gynecologic malignancy. The complication is referred as chronic when it lasts more than 3 months after radiation exposure. 

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