Rectal Duplication

  • Etiology: Abnormal budding of gastrointestinal tract lined with gastrointestinal epithelium which may communicate with enteric lumen proper
  • Imaging: Can be cystic or tubular
  • Imaging US: Cystic lesion with echogenic rim sign = enteric signature (gut signature) = hyperechoic inner layer of cyst representing bowel mucosa
  • DDX: Anterior meningocele
  • Complications: May cause obstruction, intussusception, bleeding
  • Treatment: Elective surgical removal
  • Clinical:
    — Can present as presacral mass
    — 15% of gastrointestinal duplications (colonic)

Radiology Cases of Rectal Duplication

Barium enema and MRI of rectal duplication
AP and lateral images from a barium enema show an intraluminal lesion in the rectum. Axial and sagittal T2 MRI shows a cystic mass anterior to the rectum.