What is the Clinical Relevance of Filiform Polyposis?

Abstract

Filiform polyposis (FP) of the colon is an uncommon entity referred to as inflammatory polyposis, or pseudopolyposis.1,2 The term FP was first coined by Appelman et al.3 who used it to describe a syndrome involving the radiographic appearance of numerous long slender worm-like or filiform defects in the colon. The pathogenesis of FP is uncertain. However, FP was gener-ally thought to be associated with the post-inflammatory repar-ative process.3,4 The vast majority of cases occur in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in patients with ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can be presented as giant inflammatory polyposis appearing mass lesion.5 Although FP typically occurs in patients with IBD, it is im-portant to realize that some cases have been documented in patients without IBD. FP can be sequalae of past bacillary dys-