A team of doctors from the University of Texas Medical Branch has published a case report of a patient with chronic inflammatory fibroid polyps (CIFP), a rare type of tumor that can grow in the gastrointestinal tract and cause various symptoms. The report, published in the journal Cureus, aims to raise awareness and improve diagnosis of this condition.
Chronic inflammatory fibroid polyps are benign tumors that originate from the submucosa, the layer of tissue beneath the lining of the digestive tract. They are composed of fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells. They can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but are most commonly found in the stomach and small intestine.
The exact cause of CIFP is unknown, but some factors that may contribute to their development include chronic inflammation, genetic mutations, hormonal changes, and infections. The incidence of CIFP is very low, with only about 300 cases reported in the literature.
How do Chronic Inflammatory Fibroid Polyps Affect the Patient?
CIFP can cause various symptoms depending on their size, location, and number. Some of the common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, bleeding, obstruction, intussusception, and perforation. CIFP can also mimic other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastric cancer, and lymphoma, making diagnosis challenging.
The diagnosis of CIFP is usually confirmed by endoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and a light to examine the inside of the digestive tract. Endoscopy can also be used to remove small polyps or take biopsies for further analysis. Sometimes, surgery may be required to remove large or multiple polyps or to treat complications.
What is the Case Report About?
The case report describes a 62-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss for six months. She had a history of hypertension, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. She underwent an upper endoscopy, which revealed a large polypoid mass in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The mass was removed by endoscopic mucosal resection, a technique that uses a snare to cut and remove the tissue. The histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of CIFP
The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital. She was followed up for six months and did not have any recurrence of symptoms or polyps. The authors of the report concluded that CIFP is a rare but important cause of gastrointestinal symptoms and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. They also emphasized the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of CIFP.
Why is this Case Report Important?
This case report is important because it highlights the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of CIFP, a rare and often overlooked condition. It also demonstrates the successful use of endoscopic mucosal resection, a minimally invasive and effective technique, to remove a large CIFP in the duodenum. The report adds to the existing literature on CIFP and may help other clinicians to recognize and treat this condition in the future.
