Giant inflammatory polyps associated with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. An ultrastructural study of five cases

Dis Colon Rectum. 1990 Sep;33(9):773-7. doi: 10.1007/BF02052325.

Abstract

Five cases of giant inflammatory polyps associated with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease are reported. Polyps produced intestinal obstruction in three cases; consequently, surgery was performed. In a further two cases, intestinal bleeding was improved by endoscopic polypectomy. Electron microscopy showed fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, mast cells, lymphocytes, collagen fibers, capillaries, and venules. Remnants of the original mucosal epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and hypertrophic autonomous nerve plexuses were noted. Nerve fibers were interwoven with the matrix of the polyps. Mast cells were closely linked with vessels, nerves, and collagen fibers. They may have an important role in the excessive granulation, angiogenesis, and fibrotic process in giant inflammatory polyps.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / complications*
  • Colon / ultrastructure
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology
  • Colonic Diseases / surgery
  • Colonic Polyps / complications*
  • Colonic Polyps / surgery
  • Colonic Polyps / ultrastructure
  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged