Heterotopic gastric mucosa with focal intestinal metaplasia and squamous epithelium in the rectum.

Abstract

Heterotopic gastric mucosa has been described in all levels of the gastrointestinal tract. However, gastric heterotopia of the rectum is a rare finding. It is usually reported along with polyp located in the rectum between 5 and 8 cm from the anal verge. The most common symptom is painless rectal bleeding, and non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms may also be presented. We report an incidentally found case of a 46-year-old man without any gastrointestinal symptoms. The pathology showed gastric mucosa and squamous epithelium and focal intestinal metaplasia. This finding could be a clue as to the origins of the heterotopic gastric mucosa. Although there are no guidelines for treatment or the follow-up period, regular endoscopic surveillance is necessary for gastric cancer screening.