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Rectal polyps can cause significant symptoms like bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain in infants. This case highlights the importance of considering rectal polyps in children presenting with these symptoms, even when rare.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Recurrent colic and bloody diarrhea in infants can be alarming.
- Rectal polyps are an uncommon cause of these symptoms in children under one year old.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old boy presented with symptoms suggestive of colic and bloody stools.
- A rectal mass prolapsed, revealing a pedunculated polyp.
Findings:
- The polyp was successfully removed via transanal ligation.
- The polyp had caused intussusception of the sigmoid colon into the rectum, leading to abdominal pain.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider rectal polyps in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients with recurrent colic and blood-streaked diarrhea, regardless of age.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing polyp-related complications in children.
Abstract:
A 10-month-old boy had episodes of apparent colic with bloody diarrhea. On investigation after prolapse of a rectal mass, a pedunculated polyp was found and removed by transanal ligation. The abdominal pain had been caused by the polyp intussuscepting the sigmoid colon into the rectum. Although rectal bleeding in children under age 1 is rarely caused by rectal polyps, physicians should consider this diagnosis in children of any age when recurrent colic and blood-streaked diarrhea occur.