Xanthogranulomatous abscess of a mullerian duct remnant. A rare lesion of the rectum and anus

Abstract

A rare example of xanthogranulomatous inflammatory mass and abscess of a Mullerian duct remnant involving the anorectal area is reported. A barium enema showed a bilobed precoccygeal mass of moderate size involving the posterior aspect of the distal rectum. Computed tomography (CT) showed two nonfatty, round masses, one of which contained a small central cystic area. The other mass had a homogeneous appearance and was believed to be in the wall of the rectum. The pathologic specimen showed organizing abscesses and a chronic xanthogranulomatous inflammation in tissue compatible with urogenital tissue, presumably a Mullerian duct remnant. This is the first documented report of anorectal xanthogranulomatous abscess in a Mullerian duct remnant with radiologic findings and histopathologic correlation. Though rare, this lesion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extrinsic and intramural rectal masses seen on barium enema and CT examinations.