Solitary Inflammatory Cap Polyp, An Unusual Cause of Rectal Bleeding in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

PMID: 40612205
Source: Sage Open Pediatr
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Year: 2025

Abstract

Solitary inflammatory cap polyp (ICP) is a rare rectal condition characterized by distinctive polypoid lesions with a "cap-like" appearance. It primarily occurs without underlying inflammatory bowel disease, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. We report the case of a 6-year-old female presenting with rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Her medical history was unremarkable except for a recent episode of bloody diarrhea treated as amebiasis. Laboratory investigations revealed bicytopenia and hyponatremia. Colonoscopy identified a 1 x 1 cm sessile polyp in the rectum, which was excised and sent for histopathological analysis. The analysis confirmed ICP, characterized by polypoid rectal mucosa with crypt distortion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The patient underwent successful polypectomy and received supportive care, leading to complete symptom resolution with no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of considering ICP in pediatric patients with rectal bleeding. Further studies are necessary to better understand the pathogenesis and establish standardized treatment guidelines for ICP.