Cavernous hemangioma of the mesorectum involving the rectum: a rare case report

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal hemangiomas are very rare and are even rarer in the mesorectum. It is not clear whether mesorectal hemangiomas originate in the bowel wall or in the mesorectum. For clinicians, to correctly identify the imaging features of mesorectal hemangiomas is important. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein describe a case of a 31-year-old male that presented with hematochezia and sensation of rectal tenesmus. Both the rectal MRI and contrast-enhanced CT scan of the whole abdomen indicated rectal wall thickening, marked dilatation, and tortuous vessels around the rectum. In addition, a contrast-enhanced portal venous phase CT scan showed the dilation of portal vein, splenic vein and inferior mesenteric vein. The dilated inferior mesenteric vein extending down to the mesorectum, and became marked dilatation and tortuous vessels around the rectum. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgical resection of the mesorectal lesion and the involved portions of the rectum. The surgical samples underwent pathological analysis, and a diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed. Seven days after surgery, the patient was discharged without postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the imaging features of mesorectal hemangiomas. In addition, in this current case, the mesorectal hemangioma more likely originated in the mesorectum.