Filiform polyposis: an unusual complication of inflammatory bowel disease

Filiform polyposis is an unusual form of inflammatory polyposis which complicates inflammatory bowel disease. Recognition of this variant is important in that its radiographic and endoscopic picture may mimic villous adenoma or adenocarcinoma. Filiform polyposis may precipitate obstruction by stricture formation or give rise to major hemorrhage. We report five patients with inflammatory bowel disease complicated by asymptomatic filiform polyposis to emphasize the pathology of this lesion. We also review the literature regarding this topic.