[Primary linitis plastica of the rectum (author's transl)].

One case of primary linitis plastica of the rectum is presented, adding to the 20 previous cases reported in the literature, the diagnosis was made aften excluding the stomach as a primary source by per operative palpation and radiographic examination. Absence of blood in the stools and predominant symptomatology of diarrhea explains the delay of diagnosis in this patient with chorea. About 20% of all reported cases occur in association with ulcerative colitis. The prognosis is poor; the maximal survival reported is 2 1/2 years; the mean survival time is about 4 months.