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

We describe the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, and treatmen t of two patients with diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum. Sph incter-saving operations were performed in both patients, with satisfa ctory results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an endorectal sur face coil, as well as a conventional body coil, was used to determine the extent of the hemangiomas. We recommend sphincter-saving surgery f or the treatment of this benign disease that can cause life-threatenin g hemorrhage. MRI with an endorectal coil achieves higher-resolution i mages than conventional MRI.