The solitary ulcer syndrome of the rectum.

The solitary ulcer syndrome of the rectum is not rare but often remains unrecognised. A greater awareness of the condition will lead to more frequent diagnosis. The aetiology remains unproven but the evidence would suggest that a combination of prolapse, trauma and ischaemia, caused by excessive straining at stool may be important factors. The reasons for straining at stool are also obscure but in some cases a failure in the normal behaviour of the puborectalis may be involved. The history and clinical features of the condition are described, and the pathogenesis discussed.