[Inflammatory fibroid polyps of the gastrointestinal tract]

Inflammatory fibroid polyps of the gastrointestinal tract represent a relatively rare entity. Although the histopathological classification, the etiology and the pathogenesis of this lesion remains unclear, the biological dignity is commonly understood as benign. Nevertheless, these polyps are able to cause gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction or intussusception which often provides the indication for surgical treatment. In endoscopical biopsies unexpected difficulties for the pathologist may arise from the fact that these uncommon lesions often show a submucosal growth pattern. With reference to two case reports, the clinical, diagnostic and histopathological aspects of inflammatory fibroid polyps will be discussed. An additional literature review of the etiology, immunohistochemistry and differential diagnosis is presented.