Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (colitis cystica profunda) in spinal cord injury patients: 3 case reports.

Clinically indicated endoscopic examinations of 56 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) (31 for bleeding) were performed over a 3-year period, of which 3 (6%) showed solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). The presentation was rectal bleeding or mucoid discharge. The endoscopic appearance was multiple pseudopolyps and occasional mucosal ulcers extending proximally 8 to 40cm from the anus. Mucosal biopsy specimens showed distorted mucosal glands and displaced smooth muscle fibers wrapping around the glands, the hallmark of SRUS. The affected patients had routinely used suppositories and digital stimulation for bowel care and had been paralyzed 7 to 50 years. None had rectal prolapse. These cases show that SRUS (colitis cystica profunda) can be found among patients with SCI.