DIFFUSE CAVERNOUS HEMANGIOMA OF THE RECTUM : MR IMAGING WITH ENDORECTAL SURFACE COIL AND SPHINCTER-SAVING SURGERY

We describe the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of two patients with diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum. Sphincter-saving operations were performed in both patients, with satisfactory results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an endorectal surface coil, as well as a conventional body coil, was used to determine the extent of the hemangiomas. We recommend sphincter-saving surgery for the treatment of this benign disease that can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. MRI with an endorectal coil achieves higher-resolution images than conventional MRI.