Neurogenic nature of so-called inflammatory fibroid polyps of the stomach

Abstract

This paper reinterprets the condition previously designated “inflammatory fibroid polyp” of the stomach as the gastric analogue of appendiceal neural hyperplasia (appendiceal neuromas). The histopathologic features of the appendiceal and gastric lesions are analyzed in detail and evidence is presented which indicates their analagous nature. Further evidence in favor of the neural nature of these gastric lesions is proffered by the demonstration within them of abundant neurites. The differences between the gross appearance of the appendiceal and gastric neural proliferations may be explained by their differing sites of origin. The etiology and pathogenesis of gastric neural polyps remains open to question and requires further study of suitable clinical and experimental material.