Inflammatory pseudopolyp

Last revised by Ayla Al Kabbani on 25 Jan 2020

An inflammatory pseudopolyp is an island of normal colonic mucosa which only appears raised because it is surrounded by atrophic tissue (denuded ulcerative mucosa). It is seen in long-standing ulcerative colitis.

It must be distinguished from inflammatory polyps, which are regions of inflamed and elevated mucosa surrounded by granular mucosa.

Radiographic features

On CT scan or barium enema, inflammatory pseudopolyps appear as innumerable polypoid colonic filling defects. These area are usually enhancing on contrast-enhanced CT scan.

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