Enterocolic Lymphocytic Phlebitis: A Rare Condition Mimicking Colon Cancer

Authors

  • André S. Valente General Surgery Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0629-624X
  • Joana Seabra General Surgery Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2486-6426
  • Isabel L. Martins General Surgery Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal
  • Ana Carvalho Pathology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida, E.P.E., Setúbal, Portugal
  • Elga Paixão General Surgery Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal
  • M. Rosário Eusébio General Surgery Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34635/rpc.1159

Keywords:

Colon, Enteritis, Enterocolitis, Lymphocytes, Lymphocytosis, Phlebitis

Abstract

Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) is a rare, benign vasculitis affecting gastrointestinal veins while sparing arteries, often presenting with colonic stenosis that mimics malignancy. We describe a 66- year- old woman with abdominal cramping, constipation, and imaging/endoscopic findings suggestive of colon cancer near the splenic flexure. Endoscopic biopsies showed only nonspecific inflammation. Due to progressive obstruction, she underwent extended right hemicolectomy. Histopathology confirmed lymphocytic phlebitis of venous vessels with arterial sparing, diagnostic of ELP. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and she remains asymptomatic at four- year follow- up. ELP poses a diagnostic challenge, typically confirmed only after resection. Increased awareness may prevent unnecessary radical surgery in similar cases.

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Published

2026-06-17

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Section

Clinical Case

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