Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
28:15
Deficient Pms2, ERCC1, Ku86, CcOI in Field Defects During Progression to Colon Cancer
Published on: July 28, 2010
Melanosis coli in inflammatory bowel disease
D S Pardi1, W J Tremaine, H J Rothenberg
1Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic and Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|May 26, 1998
Summary
Melanosis coli, a condition causing pigment in the colon, may be linked to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) itself, not just laxative use. This suggests colitis could be a cause of melanosis coli.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Health
- Pathology
Background:
- Melanosis coli is characterized by pigment deposition in colonic macrophages.
- It is commonly associated with anthraquinone laxative use.
- However, melanosis coli has been observed in individuals not using these laxatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and melanosis coli.
- To determine the prevalence of laxative use in IBD patients with melanosis coli.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 25 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and melanosis coli.
- Documenting history of laxative use in the study cohort.
Main Results:
- Five out of 25 patients (20%) with IBD and melanosis coli had documented laxative use.
- The majority of patients had ulcerative colitis (72%) or Crohn's colitis (24%).
- The average duration of IBD was over 7 years.
Conclusions:
- Chronic colitis may contribute to the development of melanosis coli.
- Laxative use is not the sole cause of melanosis coli in patients with IBD.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
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, 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...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...