Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses
Published on: July 13, 2016
The inflammatory polyp-fold complex in children
Phyllis R Bishop1, Michael J Nowicki, Charu Subramony
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA. pbishop@ped.umsmed.edu
Insights
The inflammatory polyp-fold complex (IPFC), a rare finding in children, is linked to reflux esophagitis. Acid suppression therapy may improve IPFC and esophagitis symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
Background:
- The inflammatory polyp-fold complex (IPFC) is an uncommon finding in pediatric endoscopy.
- IPFC involves an inflammatory polyp at the gastroesophageal junction, often continuous with a gastric fold.
Observation:
- Four pediatric cases of IPFC were identified.
- All cases were associated with reflux esophagitis.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed inflammatory infiltrate in benign gastric and esophageal mucosa.
- In two patients, acid suppression therapy reduced polyp size and improved esophagitis histologically.
Implications:
- This study highlights the association between IPFC and reflux esophagitis in children.
- Acid suppression therapy shows potential for managing IPFC and associated esophagitis in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
The inflammatory polyp-fold complex (IPFC) is an uncommon endoscopic or radiologic finding in children. In this complex, an inflammatory polyp at the gastroesophageal junction is present, often in continuity with a prominent gastric fold. Histologically, there is an inflammatory infiltrate in otherwise benign gastric and esophageal mucosa. We report four cases of IPFC in children, all associated with reflux esophagitis. In two patients who underwent repeat endoscopy, acid suppression therapy led to a decrease in the size of the polyp and histologic improvement of esophagitis. Four case studies in children with IPFC are presented, followed by a literature review of this endoscopic finding as it applies to children.
Related Concept Videos
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
Histology of the Small Intestine
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

