Review and to describe the radiological features of linitis plastica of the rectum on CT and MRI.

Rectal linitis plastica (RLP) is an unusual neoplastic condition characterized by the infiltration of the deep layers of the rectal wall (submucosal and muscular layers) with no infiltration of the mucosa. RLP represents less than 0.1% of all malignancies affecting the rectum [1] and can be a primary rectal carcinoma or, more frequently, a secondary metastasic infiltration. The most common primary tumors of metastasic RLP are bladder and prostate neoplasm, however it has been described in breast, gastric, lung, and pancreaticobiliary carcinomas[2]. Histologically RLP is...

We have reviewed the radiological findings on CT and MRI in five cases of histologically confirmed RLP, four men and one woman, age ranging from 31 to 76. We have also reviewed the clinical history, laboratory data and endoscopic findings. Patient data are summarized in Table 1 (fig 3). All patients showed a strong circumferential wall thickening of the rectum (range 10-20 mm), with mucosal integrity. The affected segment was longer than 50mm in all patients (range 60-100 mm). On the T2W MR sequences all...

RLP is an unusual malignancywith poor prognosis. Double-layered circumferential thickening of the rectal wall with unaffected mucosa over a long segment is the characteristic radiological finding of RLP on MRI. Radiological recognition of the disease in an appropriate clinical context is the key to indicate a deep biopsy which will allow us to find the proper diagnosis.

Secondary rectal linitis plastica as first manifestation of urinary bladder carcinoma. Katsinelos P, Papaziogas B, Chatzimavroudis G, Katsinelos T, Dimou E, Atmatzidis S, Beltsis A, Terzoudis S, Kamperis E, Lazaraki G Ann Gastroenterol. 2012;25(2):173-175 Scirrhous metastases to the gastrointestinal tract at CT: themalignant target sign. Gollub MJ1, Schwartz MB, Shia J. AJR Am J Roentgenol.2009 Apr;192(4):936-40. doi:10.2214/AJR.08.1152. Linitis plastica of the rectum secondary to bladder carcinoma: a report of two cases and its MR features. Dresen RC1, Beets GH, Vliegen RF, Creytens DH, Beets-Tan RG....