Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
An unusual colonic duplication associated with a foreign body and anemia: a tale of 2 colons
John A Sandoval1, Megan K Dishop, Robert M Kramer
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital/University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
Insights
Congenital alimentary tract duplications are rare, often presenting in infancy. This case highlights a colonic duplication mimicking a foreign body and causing anemia in a child.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital anomalies.
- They typically manifest in infancy and childhood.
- Diagnostic challenges arise from varied clinical presentations.
Observation:
- A child presented with symptoms suggestive of an intestinal foreign body.
- The child also exhibited signs of iron deficiency anemia.
- Imaging revealed a colonic duplication.
Findings:
- The colonic duplication was the underlying cause of the child's symptoms.
- The duplication mimicked a foreign body obstruction.
- Iron deficiency anemia was secondary to chronic blood loss or malabsorption.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of alimentary tract duplications is crucial for timely diagnosis.
- Colonic duplications require consideration in pediatric patients with unexplained anemia or foreign body-like symptoms.
- Early detection and management can prevent complications associated with these anomalies.
Abstract:
Alimentary tract "duplications" are infrequent and usually present in infancy and childhood. The diagnostic difficulties associated with these congenital anomalies underscore the need for a high level of awareness given the variable spectrum of clinical presentation. We report a child with a colonic duplication who presented with an intestinal foreign body and iron deficiency anemia.
Related Concept Videos
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
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...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
