532-533 / 884
Radiation proctitis - Chronic
Histological findings
•
obliterative endarteritis of the small vessels in the
intestinal wall characterizes chronic radiation
intestinal injury
•
Associated lymphoid atrophy, lymphatic dilation, and
fibrosis of the submucosal tissue are observed
•
The progressive vascular sclerosis leads to chronic
ischemia of the overlying tissue, ultimately resulting
in mucosal atrophy
•
Scar tissue replaces the submucosal tissue, resulting
in further decrease in vascularity and contracture of
the intestinal wall
•
Chronic mucosal ulceration may result in fistula
formation and hemorrhage