Colonic chicken skin mucosa: association with juvenile polyps in children

M J Nowicki1, C Subramony, P R Bishop

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.

Insights

Chicken skin mucosa is common in children with juvenile polyps, often linked to larger rectosigmoid polyps. This finding likely results from minor mucosal trauma, not preneoplasia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Endoscopic Pathology

Background:

  • Chicken skin mucosa is an endoscopic finding associated with colonic neoplasms in adults.
  • Its presence and significance in children with juvenile polyps are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence, endoscopic features, and location of chicken skin mucosa in children with juvenile polyps.
  • To propose a pathogenic mechanism for this finding.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of children undergoing colonoscopy and polypectomy for juvenile polyps.
  • Assessment for chicken skin mucosa, polyp location, and size.
  • Histopathological examination of chicken skin mucosa biopsies.

Main Results:

  • Chicken skin mucosa was found in 73% of children and 43% of juvenile polyps.
  • Polyps associated with chicken skin mucosa were larger and located in the rectosigmoid colon.
  • Lipid-laden macrophages were present in all tested chicken skin mucosa samples.

Conclusions:

  • Chicken skin mucosa is a common finding in pediatric juvenile polyps.
  • The finding is likely due to local mucosal trauma.
  • It is unlikely to be a preneoplastic lesion.
Abstract

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