Diffuse juvenile polyposis of the colon

Abstract

Juvenile polyps are a common cause of rectal bleeding in the pediatric age group. These polyps are usually solitary but occasionally polyposis can be identified by Ba enema or colonoscopic examinations. The benign nature of a single polyp or even scattered polyposis in childhood was supported by several investigations. A case of diffuse juvenile polyposis of the colon with associated adenomatous polyps of the colon in a 17 yr old girl who presented with Fe deficiency anemia and rectal prolapse is discussed. This combination of diffuse juvenile polyposis and adenomatous polyps is an uncommon entity which is felt to represent a premalignant lesion that warrants appropriate therapy. A review of the literature concerning the cause, diagnosis and treatment of juvenile polyps is also discussed.