Colitis cystica profunda

Abstract

Colitis cystica profunda is a benign disease of the colon. Its importance lies in differentiating it from mucus-producing adenocarcinoma. It has been described rarely in the surgical literature. A review of records of patients seen at the Mayo Clinic [Rochester, Minnesota, USA] produced 66 clinical cases of localized colitis cystica profunda. In 21 patients the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Follow-up, which was available in all patients, ranged from 2 mo. to 29 yr, with a mean follow-up of more than 8 yr. Local excision is apparently the preferred initial therapy.