Radiologic spectrum of rectal stenosis

Rectal stenosis is a common condition caused by a wide variety of diseases, including both intrinsic and extrinsic disorders, as well as both malignan t and benign pathologies. Barium enema, CT, and MRI are the primary modalit ies for the evaluation of the disease, and careful observation of the chara cteristic radiologic features usually leads to correct diagnosis. However, some of the lesions looks very similar and are difficult to differentiate f rom each other. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on di seases that cause rectal stenosis, to clarify the characteristics of radiol ogic features, and to suggest the limitations in differential diagnosis. De liberate analysis of these imaging features and correlation with clinical m anifestations can facilitate a more specific diagnosis.