11. Illness of the Linea Dentata

Definition:

The Linea Dentata is the zipper-like boundary line between the anal channel and the final intestine (rectum). In this area, there are bag-like recesses which called anal crypts and small bumps, called anal papils. Both tissues can be infected.

Some times, the anal crypts may fill with pus and lead to the so-called cryptitis. The papils however can become larger and will be called of hypertrophic anal papils or anal fibroms.

Causes:

Although the exact cause of the cryptitis is not clearly known, condition can be seen more often after extended  diarrhea.  Since feces is soft and watery it will settles easily in anal crypts which lead to an inflamation. Also,  blood circulation disturbances, e.g. arising at the illness of the hemorrhoids, promote the emergence.

As consequence of this inflammation the neighbouring anal papils can become larger. Also enlargement of these tissues may be seen because of  injuries of the anal channel, ( e.g. anal fissurs)  or right after the surgeries. 

Complaints:

Inflamated anal crypts are very pressure-sensitive and cause a longlasting, dully pain after the defecation. Symtoms such bleedings or wetness are very rare.

Enlarged anal papils would not cause any complaints since they are often not apparent. In the event of enlargement becomes very extended, occasionally pressured-pain and defeciation urge increases with the feeling of an unfamiliar object. Also wetness and itching may exists. Sometimes the internal closing muscle (sphincters) might be contracted because of “unfamiliar object” feeling and leads to blood circulation disturbances.  These can then lead to the hemorrhoidal illness.

Treatment:

The cryptitis must be treated, otherwise it can cause to abscesses and fistuls. Generally, Anti imflammational ointments, suppositories or also antibiotics are used. Massages (with the finger) and exercises to closing muscle (sphincters) has been proven to be helpful. Hardened feces would be important  since it cannot settle so easily in the bags. In the case of unsuccessful treatment, the anal crypts must be surgically clened and removed.

Additionally existing illnesses such as hemorrhoids or anal fissurs should be treated together.

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 Anal diseases - still a topic with taboo   |   Anatomy of the final intestine   |   What are Hemorrhoids actually?   |   How does the illness of the hemorrhoids developed?  
How does the hemorrhoidal illness express itself?   |   How Hemorrhoids are treated?   |   How is the treatment in the Proktoklinik?   |    Anal fissure   |   Anal fistula / Anal abscess   |   Anal thrombosis   |   Skin folds (Mariscs)   |   Condyloms