Endoscopy 2007; 39(5): 459-461
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966266
Original article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Cat scratch colon

W.  M.  McDonnell1 , F.  Loura1 , M.  J.  Pointon2 , J.  K.  Greenson3
  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Western Washington Medical Group, Everett, Washington, USA
  • 2Providence Everett Medical Center, Everett, Washington, USA
  • 3Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Further Information

Publication History

submitted 11 May 2006

accepted after revision 20 November 2006

Publication Date:
22 May 2007 (online)

Background: Bright red linear marks in the right colon are occasionally seen but have never been described in the medical literature. We have termed this finding ”cat scratch” colon.

Methods: This was a prospective examination of 8277 colonoscopies at a single endoscopy center in a private practice setting. All cases of cat scratch colon were biopsied, and the results read by two pathologists.

Results: A total of 21 cases of cat scratch colon were identified, all in the ascending colon and cecum, with a prevalence of 0.25 %. The majority of cases were in women. Although the colon was histologically normal in most cases, there was a significantly higher proportion of collagenous colitis in patients with cat scratch colon compared with the total cohort (14 % vs. 0.15 %).

Conclusions: The prevalence of bright red linear markings (cat scratch colon) in the cecum and ascending colon is 0.25 %. These markings appear to be superficial breaks in the mucosa possibly secondary to barotrauma. Patients tend to be older women with higher proportion of collagenous colitis.

References

  • 1 Woltjen J A. A retrospective analysis of cecal barotrauma caused by colonoscope air flow and pressure.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2005;  61 37-45
  • 2 Felig D M, Brand M H, Vender R J. Unexpected right colon bleeding on colonoscopy.  Gastrointest Endosc. 1996;  44 471-473
  • 3 Cruz-Correa M, Milligan F, Giardiello F M. et al . Collagenous colitis with mucosal tears on endoscopic insufflation: a unique presentation.  Gut. 2002;  51 600

W. M. McDonnell, MD

Western Washington Medical Group - Gastroenterology

4225 Hoyt Ave

Suite A

Everett

WA 98203

USA

Fax: +1-425-252-9860

Email: mcdonnell56@mac.com

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