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. 2022 Feb:91:106760.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.106760. Epub 2022 Jan 12.

Case report of multiple rectal neuroendocrine tumors in a context of ulcerative colitis

Kalaji Manhal  1 , Remue Christophe  1 , Bachmann Radu  1 , Leonard Daniel  1 , Schoelinck Jeremy  2 , Kartheuser Alex  3
Affiliations

Case report of multiple rectal neuroendocrine tumors in a context of ulcerative colitis

Kalaji Manhal et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the rectum are rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.1% of all colorectal cancers. However, it is crucial to diagnose NET, particularly in patients with ulcerative colitis, who seem to have a higher risk of cancerization according to recent studies, given the aggressiveness and poor prognosis of these tumors.

Presentation of case: We report the case of a 54-year-old man who developed multiple rectal NETs (approximately 10), measuring 1-6 mm, only 2 years after a primary diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

Discussion: In the literature, all reported cases of NETs present patients with a long history of several years of inflammatory bowel disease; however, very little literature exists on this subject. Herein, we discussed the outcomes and a literature review of the pathology, prognosis, and management of NETs.

Conclusion: Despite advances in research on rectal NETs, many aspects about the disease remain unclear, partly due to its rarity.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; Rectal neuroendocrine tumor; Ulcerative colitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors disclose no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) this work.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Massive pneumoperitoneum and colonic perforation.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Multiple neuroendocrine tumors.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Nests of tumoral cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and finely granular “salt and pepper” chromatin on hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Figs. 4-5
Figs. 4-5
Neuroendocrine tumoral cells are chromogranin- and synaptophysin-positive.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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