Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Jan 2018)

Pseudomelanosis intestini “from pylorus to jejunum:” A rare endoscopic finding in a patient with GI bleeding

  • Ali Zakaria,
  • Backer Abdu,
  • Bayan Al Share,
  • Mia Manabat,
  • Kha Ngo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_53_18
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 5
pp. 1120 – 1122

Abstract

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Pseudomelanosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a rare condition used to describe the accumulation of pigment deposits in the intestinal mucosa. Its underlying cause is not well understood. It has been described in association with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and medications such as hydralazine, ferrous sulfate, and furosemide. Melanosis coli is a well-known condition associated with the use of anthranoid laxatives; however, pseudomelanosis of the small intestine is extremely rare and most commonly described in the duodenum, with few cases in the gastric mucosa and even more rare in the jejunum. Herein, we report a case of pseudomelanosis intestini involving the pylorus, duodenum, and proximal jejunum in a patient presented with GI bleeding. The clinical significance of this condition is unknown; however, gastroenterologists should be aware of its existence.

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