Journal List > Korean J Gastroenterol > v.67(4) > 1007498

Kim, Kim, Kim, Lee, Park, Yun, Kim, Lee, and Moon: An Unusual Case of Proctitis and Rectal Abscess due to Irritants by Artemisia asiatica Smoke (Ssukjwahun)

Abstract

Proctitis is an inflammatory change of rectal mucosa induced by various agents or stimulus. Among many etiologies, it may be caused by medical treatments such as radiation or antibiotics. Proctitis usually presents with rectal ulcer but abscess formation is uncommon. Therapy using Ssukjwahun exerts its effect by directly applying the smoke around genital area and anus with various medicinal brewed herbs, especially wormwood. Secondary metabolite of this plant, monoterpene, is known to facilitate circulation, exert anti-inflammatory effect, and help control pain. Herein, we report an unusual case of infectious proctitis presenting with rectal ulcer and abscess formation after perianal application of warm steam made by Artemisia asiatica smoke for treatment of dysmenorrhea.

References

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Fig. 1.
Sigmoidoscopic finding shows severe ulcerations with exudates (A) and soft round elevated lesions with intact overlying mucosa on rectum (B).
kjg-67-212f1.tif
Fig. 2.
(A) Abdominal CT scan shows diffuse wall thickening of rectum and sigmoid colon suggestive of inflammatory and reactive changes (arrow).(B) Pelvic MRI shows prominent and diffuse wall thickening of rectal mucosa along with multiple small pouch or pocket and perirectal fat infiltration (arrowhead).
kjg-67-212f2.tif
Fig. 3.
EUS finding shows tissue swelling along with multiple, variable sized anechoic cysts and ulcers in the submucosal layer (arrows).
kjg-67-212f3.tif
Fig. 4.
After 5 months, follow-up sigmoidoscopy shows whitish scar on rectum. Previously noted soft round elevated lesions has disappeared.
kjg-67-212f4.tif
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