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Shim and Lee: Melanosis Coli Associated with Aloe Consumption in a Child
Case Report
Korean Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Korean Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2010; 13(1): 81-85.

Published online: 31 March 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5223/kjpgn.2010.13.1.81

Melanosis Coli Associated with Aloe Consumption in a Child

Jeong Ok Shim, M.D., Seung Koo Lee, M.D.*

Department of Pediatrics, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.

*Department of Pathology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.

Responsible author (shimjo@kangwon.ac.kr)

Received 3 February 2010       Accepted 8 March 2010

Copyright © 2010 The Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Abstract

Melanosis coli is described as a black or brown discoloration of the mucosa of the colon. Such a discoloration is largely due to pigment granule deposition in macrophages in the colonic mucosa, which arises from anthraquinone-containing laxative abuse. Melanosis coli has usually been reported in the elderly. We present the first case of melanosis coli associated with aloe consumption in a Korean child.

Keywords: Melanosis coli, Child, Anthraquinone, Laxative

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Colonoscopic finding shows brown pigmentation with aggregates of lymphoid follicles in the rectum and sigmoid (A, B). Patchy intense pigmentation, as well as focal areas of absent pigment in a reticulated pattern, were also noted (C).
kjpgn-13-81-g001
Fig. 2
Light microscopic finding shows the brown pigment granule-laden macrophages (arrows) in the submucosa (A) (H&E stain, ×40) and in the lamina propria (B) (H&E stain, ×200).
kjpgn-13-81-g002

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