Enterogenous cysts of the rectum (colitis cystica profunda)

Enterogenous cysts of the rectum are nonneoplastic, mucus-containing, intramural, cystic lesions, producing elevation of the rectal mucosa and narrowing of the rectal lumen, and are associated with mucosal changes. A case of multiple enterogenous cysts of the rectum in a 25-year-old male is reported. The pathology, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and terminology are discussed. The modern literature concerning this entity is reviewed. The term ‘enterogenous cyst of the rectum’ is considered preferable to the terms ‘colitis cystica profunda’ and ‘hamartomatous inverted polyp of the rectum’, which are currently used to describe these lesions.