Rectal Perforation in a Patient With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Undergoing Imatinib Therapy: A Case Report

Introduction: Rectal perforation is an unusual but critical condition, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This case outlines a spontaneous rectal rupture in a patient undergoing treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with imatinib. A 58-year-old Case Summary: male, under imatinib therapy for CML for one year, presented with acute abdominal distress. Radiological imaging indicated free intraperitoneal air suggestive of gastrointestinal perforation. During surgery, a 1.5 cm anterior rectal perforation was identied. A primary repair of rectal perforation with end loop sigmoid colostomy was performed, and the patient's postoperative course was without complications. Conclusion: Although rare, rectal perforation in patients with CML, particularly those on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, must be considered in cases of sudden abdominal symptoms. Immediate diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital to improving prognosis.