A Rare Case of Duodenal Melanosis: Case Report

Cureus. 2020 Sep 15;12(9):e10475. doi: 10.7759/cureus.10475.

Abstract

Pseudomelanosis (PM) is a rare condition of unknown etiology and pathogenesis, described as speckled black pigmentation of intestinal mucosa. It is usually discovered as an incidental finding during endoscopy. Although, etiology of PM is unclear, it has been associated with different medications and systemic diseases such as chronic renal disease and diabetes mellitus. In this report, we describe a case of a 72-year-old male with multiple co-morbidities who presented with epigastric pain, nausea and hematemesis. Subsequently, upper endoscopy performed revealed intestinal PM with no active bleeding. Although considered a benign condition, knowing the existence of PM is important to exclude other serious conditions with similar endoscopic findings.

Keywords: duodenal melanosis; pseudomelanosis; small bowel; upper endoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports