Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a rare subtype of liposarcoma with a poor prognosis. This current case report describes a rectal DDLPS in a 68-year-old Chinese male that presented with lower abdominal pain and weight loss. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were undertaken to evaluate the tumour. The patient underwent radical resection of the rectal tumour, sigmoid colostomy and partial ureterectomy. The tumour was positive for mouse double minute 2 by immunohistochemistry. The patient healed well but refused chemotherapy postoperatively for economic reasons. The tumour recurred and metastasized 4 weeks after the operation. After relevant treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated and he died of shock, metabolic acidosis, hyperlactataemia and acute renal failure. The case report also reviews the literature in terms of the clinical diagnosis, treatment and pathological characteristics of rectal DDLPS with the aim of improving the level of diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma; case report; management; rectum; surgery.