Abstract:

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of rectal cap polyposis, thus improving its understanding for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods Clinical data of a case of rectal cap polyposis treated in the Hebei Province Hospital of TCM were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literatures published both domestically and internationally were reviewed. Results A young male patient presented for intermittent mucous bloody stool. Specialized physical examination revealed multiple hemispherical masses protruding towards the intestinal cavity near the lower segment of the dentate line, with erosion and necrosis observed on the surface, and covered with massive yellow white purulent secretions. Multiple pathological biopsies suggested inflammatory changes. After conservative anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment for 3 months, although the symptom of mucous bloody stool improved, microscopic lesions remained unchangeable. Surgical resection yielded a cure. Combined with postoperative pathological results, the patient was diagnosed as rectal cap polyposis. No recurrence was observed during a 1-year follow-up. Conclusion Rectal cap polyposis is a rare non-tumor disease and a special type of inflammatory polyp. A clinical diagnosis is usually made based on the characteristic “cap-like” changes under the microscope and pathological examination results. Conservative treatment may achieve the goal of relieving symptoms, but surgery for eradicating the lesion is preferred to those with a poor outcome of conservative treatment.

Key words: cap polyposis, rectum, inflammatory polyposis, helicobacter pylori