Colorectal polyps in childhood

Asymptomatic Crohn's disease presenting as perianal masses in a child: A case report and literature review

A 7-year-old male presented to our outpatient pediatric dermatology clinic for enlarging perianal masses initially suspected to be warts. Family endorsed a 2-year history of generally poor growth but denied gastrointestinal symptoms at our initial visit. Physical examination revealed three fleshy, pedunculated, violaceous masses around the anal sphincter that were rubbery in texture. Pathology indicated inflammatory polyps and further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of anal skin tags secondary to highly active and severe Crohn's disease. This case highlights the essential role of dermatologists in recognizing perianal masses as potential indicators of Crohn's disease, even when classic gastrointestinal symptoms are initially absent, as these findings can enable timely diagnosis and management.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in children: diagnostic approach

Different conditions may underlie gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in children. The estimated prevalence of GIB in children is 6.4%, with spontaneous resolution in approximately 80% of cases. Nonetheless, the initial approach plays a pivotal role in determining the prognosis. The priority is the stabilization of hemodynamic status, followed by a systematic diagnostic approach. GIB can originate from either upper or lower gastrointestinal tract, leading to a broad differential diagnosis in infants and children. This includes benign and self-limiting disorders, alongside serious conditions necessitating immediate treatment. We performed a nonsystematic review of the literature, in order to describe the variety of conditions responsible for GIB in pediatric patients and to outline diagnostic pathways according to patients' age, suspected site of bleeding and type of bleeding which can help pediatricians in clinical practice. Diagnostic modalities may include esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography and, when necessary, magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we critically assess these procedures, emphasizing their respective advantages and limitations concerning specific clinical scenarios.

Associations of Polyp Characteristics in Children and Adolescents Presenting with Less Than Five Colorectal Polyps: A Full Colonoscopy Is Still Required

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A full colonoscopy is currently required in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps, because of their potential of neoplastic transformation and complications such as intussusception. We aimed to analyze the associations of polyp characteristics in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps. Based on these findings, we also aimed to reevaluate the necessity of conducting a full colonoscopy.

METHODS

Pediatric patients <18 years of age who had undergone a colonoscopic polypectomy and those with <5 colorectal polyps were included in this multicenter, retrospective study. Baseline clinicodemographics, colonoscopic and histologic findings were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that polyp size was the only factor associated with the presence of any polyps located proximal to the splenic flexure (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 4.28; p=0.007). Furthermore, polyp location proximal to the splenic flexure and sessile morphology were associated with the presence of any adenomatous polyp (OR, 8.51; 95% CI, 1.43 to 68.65; p=0.023; OR, 18.41; 95% CI, 3.45 to 173.81; p=0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In children and adolescents presenting with <5 colorectal polyps, polyp size and the presence of any adenomatous polyp were positively associated with polyp location proximal to the splenic flexure. This finding supports the necessity of a full colonoscopic exam in pediatric patients with colorectal polyps for the detection of polyps before the occurrence of complications such as intussusception or neoplastic transformation.

Practice Patterns of Colorectal Polypectomy in Pediatric Endoscopic Specialists in South Korea: A Nationwide Survey Study

PURPOSE

Total colonoscopy is recommended if colorectal polyps are clinically suspected. This study aimed to investigate the performance status of pediatric colonoscopic polypectomy in Korea.

METHODS

We surveyed pediatric endoscopic specialists who perform colonoscopic polypectomy in Korea using a questionnaire of 13 questions on pediatric colonoscopic polypectomy performance status.

RESULTS

The survey was conducted at 45 institutions, and 32 specialists (71.1%) responded. Among the respondents, 31.2% (10/32) said colonoscopy was performed in all age groups, while 12.5% (4/32) said sigmoidoscopy was performed in all age groups. Meanwhile, 56.2% (18/32) said that sigmoidoscopy was performed in young children, while colonoscopy was performed in older children. Among them, 38.9% (7/18) believe that 4-6 years were young, and 44.5% (8/18) believe that 7-9 years were young. Regarding surveillance examinations, 21.9% (7/32) said they would perform a surveillance colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in the future if less than five juvenile polyps were found in the colon. Meanwhile, if less than five adenomatous polyps were found in the colon, 93.8% (30/32) said they would perform surveillance colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in the future.

CONCLUSION

More than half of the pediatric endoscopic specialists in Korea choose between a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy depending on the patient's age, contrary to the generally accepted recommendation of total colonoscopy if colorectal polyps are suspected in children and adolescents. In this survey, most pediatric endoscopists used the age range of 4-9 years as the reference age.

Fecal Calprotectin Levels Significantly Correlate with Polyp Size in Children and Adolescents with Juvenile Colorectal Polyps

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate factors that correlate with fecal calprotectin (FC) levels in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps.

METHODS

Pediatric patients aged <19 years who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy for a juvenile polyps (JPs) and FC tests were simultaneously conducted in a multicenter, retrospective study. Baseline demographics, colonoscopic and histological findings, and laboratory tests, including FC levels, were investigated. Correlations between the factors were investigated, and linear regression analysis revealed factors that correlated with FC levels. FC levels measured after polypectomies were investigated and the FC levels pre- and post-polypectomies were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients were included in the study. According to Pearson correlation analysis, the polyp size was the only factor that showed a statistically significant correlation with FC levels (r=0.75, p<0.001). Furthermore, according to the multivariate linear regression analysis, polyp size was the only factor that showed a statistically significant correlation with FC levels (adjusted R2 =0.5718, β=73.62, p<0.001). The median FC level was 400 mg/kg (interquartile range [IQR], 141.6-1,000 mg/kg), and the median polyp size was 14 mm (IQR, 9-20 mm). Nineteen patients underwent post-polypectomy FC tests. FC levels showed a significant decrease after polypectomy from a median of 445.2 mg/kg (IQR, 225-1,000) to 26.5 mg/kg (11.5-51) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

FC levels significantly correlated with polyp size in children and adolescents with JPs.

Bleeding per rectum in pediatric population: A pictorial review

Bleeding per rectum in children can be seen in congenital as well as acquired conditions that may require medical or surgical management. The present review article is aimed to discuss the imaging findings of some common and uncommon causes of bleeding per rectum in children.

Bleeding per rectum in pediatric population: A pictorial review

Bleeding per rectum in children can be seen in congenital as well as acquired conditions that may require medical or surgical management. The present review article is aimed to discuss the imaging findings of some common and uncommon causes of bleeding per rectum in children.

Inflammatory cloacogenic polyps in children: diagnostic yield of rectal retroflexion during colonoscopy

Background and aims

Inflammatory cloacogenic polyps (ICPs) are inflammatory lesions occurring around the anal transitional zone. These are rare in the pediatric population, and most reported cases are found in adults. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of rectal retroflexion (RR) during colonoscopy in detecting ICPs in children.

Methods

A total of 1837 colonoscopies were performed in 1278 children between September 2003 and August 2020 at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The laboratory test results and colonoscopic and histopathological findings were retrospectively reviewed. ICP was detected using the RR and was diagnosed based on the histologic findings of the polyp.

Results

A total of 69 patients were diagnosed with juvenile polyps (n = 62) or ICP (n = 7), with the latter being detected through RR. All children with ICP were diagnosed from 2013 onwards when RR during colonoscopy came to be routinely performed in our medical center. The patients with ICP were older at diagnosis and more associated with a family history of colorectal polyps than JP. Stool occult blood and the polyps’ endoscopic characteristics, such as number, location, volume, and shape, significantly varied between the two groups. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in the polypectomy method. During the long-term follow-up, there was no recurrence of ICP.

Conclusions

Due to their location at the anorectal junction, ICPs may be overlooked during colonoscopy, leading to misdiagnosis. Therefore, a retroflexion view during colonoscopy may help detect ICPs in pediatric patients, especially those presenting with hematochezia.

Isolated intestinal Ganglioneuromatosis: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Intestinal Ganglioneuromatosis (IG) is a rare disorder of the enteric nervous system. In pediatric age it is often associated with genetic syndromes such as Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) and Cowden syndrome (PTEN mutation), and ganglioneuromas (GNs) may be sometimes the first sign of the disease. Isolated GNs are rare and sporadic. Clinical symptom vary and depend on the size and on the location of the GNs. This disorder affects intestinal motility and it, consequently, causes changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, occlusive symptoms and rarely lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to ulceration of the intestinal mucosa. On the other hand, patients can remain asymptomatic for many years.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a 9-year-old boy referred to our emergency department for right lower quadrant abdominal pain. No familial history for gastrointestinal disorders. No history of fever or weight loss. At physical examination, he had diffused abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic formation measuring 41.8 mm by 35 mm in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Routine blood tests were normal, but fecal occult blood test was positive. Abdominal TC confirmed the hypodense formation, of about 5 cm in transverse diameter, in the right hypochondrium that apparently invaginated in the caecum-last ileal loop. Colonoscopy showed in the cecum an invaginated polypoid lesion of the terminal ileal loop. Laparoscopic resection of the polypoid lesion was performed. Histological diagnosis of the large neoplasm observed in the terminal ileum was diffuse ganglioneuromatosis. NF1, RET and PTEN gene tests resulted negative for specific mutations. At the 1 year follow-up, the patient presented good general condition and blood tests, fecal occult blood test, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and MR-enterography were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Only few cases are reported in literature of IG in pediatric age. Although rare, the present case suggests that this disorder must be taken in consideration in every patient with GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, lower intestinal bleeding, in order to avoid a delayed diagnosis.

Polyp Progression in Paediatric Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Single-centre Experience

OBJECTIVES

Prophylactic colectomy at a premalignant stage is the cornerstone of management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Before surgery, colonoscopy surveillance is recommended in children with FAP. This study aimed to examine the natural history of FAP in children by evaluating adenoma progression and factors influencing timing of colectomy.

METHOD

Patients with FAP younger than 18 years at first surveillance colonoscopy and who had undergone more than 1 colonoscopy were identified. Demographic, endoscopic, genetic, and surgical data were retrieved. Cumulative adenoma (polyp) counts were obtained while accounting for any polypectomies during the study period. The rate of polyp progression and factors influencing the timing of colectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (50% boys; mean age at first colonoscopy 13 years [standard deviation 1.97]) were identified, of which 83 had a family history of FAP. At first colonoscopy, 67 (79%) had <100 adenomas and 29 (35%) had colonic polyps identified despite rectal sparing. The median rate of polyp progression per patient was 12.5 polyps/year (range 0-145). Of the 45 (54%) patients who had undergone surgery, 41 (91%) underwent colectomy with ileorectal or ileodistal sigmoid anastomosis. Polyp progression did not alter the choice of surgical intervention in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adenoma number remains relatively stable in the majority of children under surveillance. Tailored surveillance intervals according to phenotype are a more appropriate strategy as recommended by recently published guidelines.

Faecal calprotectin and ultrasonography as non-invasive screening tools for detecting colorectal polyps in children with sporadic rectal bleeding: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal polyps are reported in 6,1% of paediatric colonoscopies and in 12% of those performed for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Although colonoscopy is widely used in paediatric patients, it requires bowel preparation and general anaesthesia or deep sedation, and in rare cases, it can cause complications. Non-invasive screening techniques able to predict polyps in children with isolated and sporadic rectal bleeding may play a key role in the selection of patients needing colonoscopy.

METHODS

We enrolled all children undergoing colonoscopy for isolated and sporadic rectal bleeding to determine the diagnostic accuracy of faecal calprotectin, ultrasonography (US) and digital rectal examination as diagnostic methods for screening colorectal polyps.

RESULTS

A total of 26 of 59 enrolled patients (44.1%) had colonic polyps, one patient had multiple polyps, and 23% of children had polyps proximal to the splenic flexure. The diagnostic accuracy of faecal calprotectin for detecting colorectal polyps was 96.6%, with a sensitivity of 100%. False-positive faecal calprotectin was shown in 2 patients with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was 77.9%. Polyps not seen with ultrasound tended to be relatively smaller (1.5 vs 2.3, p = 0.001) and located in the rectum. The combined use of FC, US and digital rectal examination obtained a specificity and PPV of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

FC combined with US and digital rectal examination is a good and promising non-invasive screening test for detecting colorectal polyps in children with isolated and sporadic rectal bleeding.

Polyp Characteristics of Nonsyndromic and Potentially Syndromic Juvenile Polyps: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

Juvenile polyps (JPs) are the most common gastrointestinal polyps diagnosed in children. There is paucity of evidence differentiating polyp burden groups and the presence and significance of neoplastic changes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients, ages birth through 18 years with nonsyndromic JPs was performed from 2003 to 2017. Abstracted data included basic demographics, age, clinical presentation, colonoscopy findings, and pathology report. Slides of polyps with neoplasia were reviewed by a pathologist.

RESULTS

A total of 213 subjects underwent 326 procedures and 435 polypectomies. Subjects with positive family history, positive gene mutations, or numerous (>10) polyps were excluded. Groups were defined by polyp number (1, 2-4, 5-10). Polyp recurrence on repeat colonoscopy was significantly related to polyp burden (1 polyp: 1.5%/2-4 polyps 19.2%/5-10 polyps 82.6%: P < 0.001). Polyp distribution was significantly different amongst different groups with isolated polyps favoring a distal distribution. JPs harboring adenomatous foci were reported in 26 (12%) patients. JPs harboring adenomatous foci were significantly more likely to be proximally distributed but the presence of adenomatous transformation within the polyps did not correlate with polyp number or the likelihood of polyp recurrence on repeat colonoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

JP recurrence is positively and significantly related to polyp burden. JP harbored adenomatous changes independent of polyp number, underscoring a possible malignant potential in JPs. In the absence of a consistent genotype or pedigree, the presence of adenomatous transformation within JPs cannot be construed as a biomarker for syndromic juvenile polyposis.

Endoscopic Findings in Children with Isolated Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Colorectal polyps are a common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Our aim was to study the causes of isolated lower gastrointestinal bleeding and to analyze the characteristics of the colorectal polyps found in our cohort.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed colonoscopic procedures performed between 2007 and 2015. Children with isolated lower gastrointestinal bleeding were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 185 colonoscopies were performed for isolated lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The median patient age was 8 years, and 77 patients (41.6%) were found to have colonic polyps. Normal colonoscopy findings were observed and acute colitis was detected in 77 (41.6%) and 14 (7.4%) patients, respectively. Single colonic polyps and 2-3 polyps were detected in 73 (94.8%) and 4 (5.2%) patients with polyps, respectively. Of the single polyps, 69 (94.5%) were juvenile polyps, among which 65 (94.2%) were located in the left colon.

CONCLUSION

Single left-sided juvenile polyps were the most common cause of isolated lower gastrointestinal bleeding in our study. It was rare to find multiple polyps and polyps proximal to the splenic flexure in our cohort. A full colonoscopy is still recommended in all patients in order to properly diagnose the small but significant group of patients with pathologies found proximal to the splenic flexure.

Clinical features, endoscopic polypectomy and STK11 gene mutation in a nine-month-old Peutz-Jeghers syndrome Chinese infant

AIM

To investigate multiple polyps in a Chinese Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) infant.

METHODS

A nine-month-old PJS infant was admitted to our hospital for recurrent prolapsed rectal polyps for one month. The clinical characteristics, a colonoscopic image, the pathological characteristics of the polyps and X-ray images of the intestinal perforation were obtained. Serine threonine-protein kinase 11 (STK11) gene analysis was also performed using a DNA sample from this infant.

RESULTS

Here we describe the youngest known Chinese infant with PJS. Five polyps, including a giant polyp of approximately 4 cm × 2 cm in size, were removed from the infant's intestine. Laparotomy was performed to repair a perforation caused by pneumoperitoneum. The pathological results showed that this child had PJS. Molecular analysis of the STK11 gene further revealed a novel frameshift mutation (c.64_65het_delAT) in exon 1 in this PJS infant.

CONCLUSION

The appropriate treatment method for multiple polyps in an infant must be carefully considered. Our results also show that the STK11 gene mutation is the primary cause of PJS.

Value of Fecal Calprotectin as a Biomarker for Juvenile Polyps in Children Investigated With Colonoscopy

OBJECTIVES

The clinical presentation of colonic juvenile polyps with abdominal discomfort and occult rectal bleedings make them difficult to recognize. The aim of this study was to report the clinical features of colonic juvenile polyps in children referred to colonoscopy and evaluate fecal calprotectin (FCP) as a screening biomarker for their diagnosis.

METHODS

The study included a total of 266 children (range 3.1-19.0 years, median age 15.8 years) investigated with ileocolonoscopy; of whom, 239 (89%) were investigated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). FCPs were analyzed as a marker of colonic inflammation, and levels < 50 mg/kg was considered to be negative.

RESULTS

Juvenile polyps were detected in 12 (4.5%) children; the remaining 67 (25.2%) had Crohn disease, 57 (21.4%) ulcerative colitis, 5 (1.9%) unclassified IBD, 4 (1.5%) allergic colitis, bleeding source was localized in 6 (2.3%), and 115 (43.2%) had unspecific or normal findings. FCP was available in 203 (76.3%) children before colonoscopy; levels of FCP were higher in children with juvenile polyps (range 28-2287 mg/kg, median 844 mg/kg) compared with those with normal colonoscopies (range < 20-2443 mg/kg, median 130 mg/kg, P < 0.0001), but not compared with those with active IBD (range < 20-7780 mg/kg, median 962 mg/kg, P = 0.6299). FCPs were available in 9 of 12 children after polypectomy, of whom all had their FCP levels significantly reduced (range 0-281 mg/kg, median 49 mg/kg, P <  .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic juvenile polyps are frequently found in pediatric patients presenting with hematochezia and elevated FCP levels. Colonic juvenile polyps are difficult to differentiate from pediatric IBD without a colonoscopy.

Pediatric colonoscopy in South China: a 12-year experience in a tertiary center

Objective

To investigate: 1) the demographics and clinical characteristics, 2) the findings, and 3) the safety and effectiveness in a cohort of Chinese pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Methods

The study participants were consecutive patients aged ≤14 years old that underwent their first colonoscopy in the endoscopy center at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2012. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and pathological findings were collected.

Results

The cohort consisted of 322 patients, including 218 boys (67.7%) and 104 girls (32.3%). The median age was 8.0 years old and ranged from 9 months to 14 years old. Hematochezia (48.8%) and abdominal pain/discomfort (41.3%) were the most common presentations preceding pediatric colonoscopy. The caecal intubation success rate was 96.3%. No serious complications occurred during the procedures. A total of 227 patients (70.5%) received a positive diagnosis under endoscopy, including 138 patients with polyps and 53 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Among the patients with polyps, 71.0% were juvenile polyps. Comparisons between years 2001–2006 and 2007–2012 showed that the IBD detection rate increased significantly (4.6% vs. 22.4%, P<0.001), while the opposite occurred for the polyp detection rate (73.1% vs. 27.6%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Colonoscopy in pediatric patients is a safe and effective procedure. Polyps are the primary finding during colonoscopy. In South China there has been an increase in pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD over the past decade. However, a large epidemiological study is needed to confirm our findings.

The natural history of familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome: a 24 year review of a single center experience in screening, diagnosis, and outcomes

PURPOSE

Understanding the natural history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) will guide screening and aid clinical management.

METHODS

Patients with FAP, age ≤20years presenting between 1987 and 2011, were reviewed for presentation, diagnosis, extraintestinal manifestations, polyp burden, family history, histology, gene mutation, surgical intervention, and outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-three FAP patients were identified. Diagnosis was made by colonoscopy (69%) or genetic screening (25%) at mean age of 12.5years. Most children (58%) were asymptomatic and diagnosed via screening due to family history. Rectal bleeding was the most common (37%) symptom prompting evaluation. Colon polyps appeared by mean age of 13.4years with >50 polyps at the time of diagnosis in 60%. Cancer was found in 1 colonoscopy biopsy and 5 colectomy specimens. Family history of FAP was known in 85%. 53% had genetic testing, which confirmed APC mutation in 88%. Extraintestinal manifestations included congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (11.3%), desmoids (10.6%), osteomas (6.7%), epidermal cysts (5.5%), extranumerary teeth (3.7%), papillary thyroid cancer (3.1%), and hepatoblastoma (2.5%). Six patients died secondary to FAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation and manifestations in pediatric FAP are variable. We suggest an individualized patient-oriented screening algorithm that allows for earlier screening and appropriate management.