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Colonic mucosal pseudolipomatosis: disinfectant colitis?
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea.
Summary
Colonic pseudolipomatosis may be caused by chemical injury from endoscopic disinfectants. This study found an epidemic pattern linked to a disinfectant change, suggesting chemical colitis as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Endoscopic Procedures
Background:
- Colonic pseudolipomatosis is a rare condition with an unclear pathogenesis.
- Potential causes include mechanical injury from endoscopy or chemical injury from disinfectants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the endoscopic and pathological features of colonic pseudolipomatosis.
- To investigate the role of endoscopic disinfectants as a potential cause.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 12 patient cases diagnosed with colonic pseudolipomatosis.
- Analysis of patient history, endoscopic findings, and histological features.
- Correlation with changes in endoscopic disinfectant use.
Main Results:
- 12 cases (0.94%) of colonic pseudolipomatosis were diagnosed during 1276 colonoscopies.
- An epidemic pattern of pseudolipomatosis was observed after switching disinfectants.
- Endoscopic disinfectant emerged as a probable cause over mechanical or air pressure injury.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic disinfectants are a likely cause of colonic pseudolipomatosis.
- Chemical colitis due to residual disinfectant may explain the observed cases.
- Further investigation into disinfectant safety and reprocessing protocols is warranted.
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