A large prolapsed inflammatory fibroid polyp of the esophagus: an unusual presentation.

Abstract

The inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is an uncommon benign tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. The tumor was first described in 1949 by Vanek as a gastric submucosal granuloma with eosinophilia.1,2 It has also been referred to as a Vanek tumor.3 The term inflammatory fibroid polyp was coined by Helwig and Ranier in 1953.1,4 The IFP is also known as an eosinophilic granuloma,5 inflammatory pseudotumor,5 fibroma with eosinophilic infiltration,5 and polypoid myoendothelioma.6 Classically, the IFP is a solitary, polypoid, noncapsulated intraluminal tumor with occasional ulceration.7-11 Although the stomach is the most frequent site of involvement, IFPs can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Rarely, IFPs can also involve the esophagus,2,7,8,12-16 duodenum,17-19 or rectum.20 Dysphagia is the most common presentation of esophageal IFP followed by gastrointestinal bleeding due to erosions and ulceration on the surface of the polyp.