Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) is useful for the diagnosis of rectal varices

Excerpt

A 75-year- old Japanese female was admitted with sudden onset of massive rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy was performed immediately, but no apparent cause of bleeding was detected (Fig. 1). Abdominal multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) revealed venodilation around the rectum, which was diagnosed as varicose veins (Fig. 2). Rectal varices are usually associated with portal hypertension caused by liver disorders such as liver cirrhosis. However, the patient had no apparent comorbidities, and her liver function was normal. The etiology of her rectal varices was unclear. She was successfully managed expectantly and discharged with no further episode of rectal bleeding. Rectal varices may cause massive rectal bleeding and may not be visible endoscopically. MDCT is noninvasive and may be more accurate than endoscopic ultrasound at assessing the anatomical extension of varices (Fig. 3a, b). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on diagnostic imaging of rectal varices using MDCT.

…