An Uncommon Occurrence of Rectal Leiomyoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Gastrointestinal (GI) leiomyomas, particularly those located in the rectum, are extremely rare, accounting for approximately 0.1% of rectal tumors. We report the case of a middle-aged female who presented with chronic diarrhea of unknown origin. A colonoscopy was performed, during which a rectal polyp was resected. Histopathology examination of the polyp revealed smooth muscle proliferation and a positive immunohistochemical profile for desmin, consistent with leiomyomatous nature and a diagnosis of rectal leiomyoma. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including endoscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemical analysis, to differentiate leiomyomas from other GI tumors. Following GI evaluation, the patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, which revealed multiple uterine leiomyomas. The concurrent presence of rectal and uterine leiomyomas in this patient is significant and suggests a potential association between these lesions in females. Further research is needed to explore the potential relationship between rectal and uterine leiomyomas and its implications for clinical practice.