Phlebosclerotic colitis: three cases and literature review

Three cases of phlebosclerotic colitis (PC) are presented and all in males. The etiology of the PC still remains unknown. The characteristic manifestations of PC were transmural calcifications on CT and dark purple mucosa on endoscopy. Cases 1 and 2 underwent computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopy while case 3 underwent CT and endoscopy. Cases 1 and 2 were admitted to our hospital for ileus. Case 3 had been diagnosed as ischemic colitis and came to our hospital for re-examination. Calcifications could be found within the colon wall and adjacent mesenteric vein from cecum to transverse colon in case 1 and from cecum to descending colon in cases 2 and 3. Extensive mural thickening of the colon could be seen on CT imaging and MRI, while dark purple mucosa was found on endoscopy in all three patients. However, their extents were more than those of calcifications. The literature is limited to a few case reports. Clinicians should be familiar with the imaging and endoscopy features of PC and radiologists should pay attention to the thickening of colon wall beside the calcifications.