filiform polyposis

Filiform polyposis is an uncommon entity that is most often encountered in the colon of patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Filiform polyposis is characterized by a large number of "wormlike" polyps lined by histologically normal colonic mucosa. These polyps can mimic adenomatous polyps.

Only rare cases without a history or evidence of IBD have been reported.

Differential diagnosis

 neuromuscular and vascular hamartoma (NMVH)

• The neuromuscular and vascular hamartoma of the small bowel is a rare, focal disorder characterized by disorganized smooth muscle fascicles throughout the submucosa accompanied by fibrosis, nerve fibers, ganglion cells, and vessels.

References

 Diffuse filiform polyposis with unique histology mimicking familial adenomatous polyposis in a patient without inflammatory bowel disease. Oakley GJ 3rd, Schraut WH, Peel R, Krasinskas A. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2007 Dec;131(12):1821-4. PMID: 18081442