Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2234-8646
eISSN 2234-8840
    Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 Mar;13(1):81-85. Korean.
    Published online Mar 31, 2010.
    https://doi.org/10.5223/kjpgn.2010.13.1.81
    Copyright © 2010 The Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
    Case Report

    Melanosis Coli Associated with Aloe Consumption in a Child

    Jeong Ok Shim, M.D., and Seung Koo Lee, M.D.*
      • Department of Pediatrics, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
      • *Department of Pathology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
    • Responsible author (Email: shimjo@kangwon.ac.kr )
    Received February 03, 2010; Accepted March 08, 2010.

    Abstract

    Melanosis coli is described as a black or brown discoloration of the mucosa of the colon. Such a discoloration is largely due to pigment granule deposition in macrophages in the colonic mucosa, which arises from anthraquinone-containing laxative abuse. Melanosis coli has usually been reported in the elderly. We present the first case of melanosis coli associated with aloe consumption in a Korean child.

    Keywords
    Melanosis coli; Child; Anthraquinone; Laxative

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Colonoscopic finding shows brown pigmentation with aggregates of lymphoid follicles in the rectum and sigmoid (A, B). Patchy intense pigmentation, as well as focal areas of absent pigment in a reticulated pattern, were also noted (C).

    Fig. 2
    Light microscopic finding shows the brown pigment granule-laden macrophages (arrows) in the submucosa (A) (H&E stain, ×40) and in the lamina propria (B) (H&E stain, ×200).

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    MeSH Terms
    Aged
    Aloe
    Child
    Colon
    Humans
    Macrophages
    Melanosis
    Mucous Membrane
    Metrics
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