Clinical presentation

A 26-year-old student was referred to the Gastroenterology Department by the general practitioner because of persistent rectal bleeding. At presentation, the patient reported a 3-month history of recurrent frank blood per rectum on defaecation. He had had similar episodes 2–3 years previously but this had subsided. This was not present all the time and his stools were of variable consistency. There was no associated abdominal pain. His appetite was normal and his weight stable. He was not on any medication. The patient originated from Sudan and …