Chronic radiation proctitis refractory to steroid enema was successfully treated by metformin and sodium butyrate: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Radiation proctitis (RP) is a significant complication of pelvic radiation. Effective treatments for chronic RP are currently lacking. We report a case where chronic RP was successfully managed by metformin and butyrate (M-B) enema and suppository therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old Asian male was diagnosed with prostate cancer of bilateral lobes, underwent definitive radiotherapy to the prostate of 76 Gy in 38 fractions and six months of androgen deprivation therapy. Despite a stable PSA nadir of 0.2 ng/mL for 10 months post-radiotherapy, he developed intermittent rectal bleeding, and was diagnosed as chronic RP. Symptoms persisted despite two months of oral mesalamine, mesalamine enema and hydrocortisone enema treatment. Transition to daily 2% metformin and butyrate (M-B) enema for one week led to significant improvement, followed by maintenance therapy with daily 2.0% M-B suppository for three weeks, resulting in continued reduction of rectal bleeding. Endoscopic examination and biopsy demonstrated a good therapeutic effect. CONCLUSIONS: M-B enema and suppository may be an effective treatment for chronic RP.

Phlebosclerotic colitis: A case report and review of the literature.

Phlebosclerotic colitis (PC) is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease. The initial presentation may include non-specific symptoms, such as vomiting, constipation and abdominal pain; however, intestinal stenosis, gangrene and perforation may occur without appropriate management. The present report describes the case of a 56-year-old male with abdominal pain and constipation. Imaging studies revealed thread-like calcifications involving almost the entire colon, which had markedly progressed over a three-year period, and changes consistent with colonic ischemia. Angiography revealed decreased blood flow in the mesenteric veins. The patient underwent emergent subtotal colectomy, and pathological examination revealed gangrene of the colon and calcifications of the mesenteric veins. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. In conclusion, PC is a potentially life-threatening condition that may be diagnosed by the presence of serpentine calcifications on imaging studies. Management depends on the severity of the disease, ranging from close follow-up to prompt surgical intervention.