Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
Published on: September 11, 2012
Cat scratch colon
W M McDonnell1, F Loura, M J Pointon
1Department of Gastroenterology, Western Washington Medical Group, Everett, Washington 98203, USA. mcdonnell56@mac.com
Background:
Bright red linear marks in the right colon are occasionally seen but have never been described in the medical literature. We have termed this finding "cat scratch" colon.
Methods:
This was a prospective examination of 8277 colonoscopies at a single endoscopy center in a private practice setting. All cases of cat scratch colon were biopsied, and the results read by two pathologists.
Results:
A total of 21 cases of cat scratch colon were identified, all in the ascending colon and cecum, with a prevalence of 0.25%. The majority of cases were in women. Although the colon was histologically normal in most cases, there was a significantly higher proportion of collagenous colitis in patients with cat scratch colon compared with the total cohort (14% vs. 0.15%).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of bright red linear markings (cat scratch colon) in the cecum and ascending colon is 0.25%. These markings appear to be superficial breaks in the mucosa possibly secondary to barotrauma. Patients tend to be older women with higher proportion of collagenous colitis.
Related Concept Videos
Large Intestine
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Diverticular Disease of the Colon

