Cold loop polypectomy perforation of a tiny colon polyp

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Corticosteroid therapy is commonly used for inflammatory conditions like polyarthralgia.
• Patients on long-term immunosuppression may have altered gastrointestinal polyp development or surveillance needs.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old woman on chronic corticosteroid treatment presented for routine post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy.
• During the procedure, a 5-mm, flat-elevated polyp (Paris 0-IIa classification) was identified in the proximal transverse colon.

Findings:

• The presence of a diminutive, flat-elevated polyp in the proximal transverse colon.
• The polyp was detected during surveillance following a previous polypectomy.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilant colonoscopic surveillance in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy.
• Further research may be needed to determine if corticosteroid use influences polyp characteristics or growth rates.
• Optimal surveillance strategies for this patient population warrant consideration.