Atypical presentation of pseudomembranous colitis localized in adenomatous polyps

World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Jan 14;19(2):316-8. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i2.316.

Abstract

The most frequent cause of pseudomembranous colitis is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection. This type of colitis is characterized by an endoscopic pattern of numerous small, yellowish or whitish plaques diffusely distributed, which typically compromises the rectum extending to proximal colon. Occasionally, the pseudomembranes compromise only the transverse or right colon, but their exclusive localization over polyps has not been reported. In this case report we have described a patient with symptoms compatible with C. difficile infection and positive for C. difficile toxigenic culture. Colonoscopy examination showed two small polyps with a whitish surface, and histopathological analysis confirmed them to be pseudomembranes over tubular adenomas. The rest of the colonic mucosa was normal and no other cause was demonstrated. We suggest that this particular distribution might be due to a higher affinity for dysplastic cells such as adenomatous polyps of colon by C. difficile and/or its toxins.

Keywords: Adenomatous polyps; Antibiotic-associated colitis; Clostridium difficile; Clostridium difficile infections; Pseudomembranous colitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyps / diagnosis
  • Adenomatous Polyps / epidemiology*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clostridioides difficile*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Colonoscopy
  • Comorbidity
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / drug therapy
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Metronidazole