Filiform polyposis of the colon. First report in a case of transmural colitis (Crohn's disease).

Filiform polyposis of the colon is characterized by multitudinous wormlike projections of mucosa and submucosa, and it has only previously been reported to be an unusual sequel to a prior limited episode of ulcerative colitis. The first reported instance complicating a 16-year course of typical transmural colitis (Crohn's disease) suggests that this benign proliferation may be a nonspecific submucosal response to two separated, but closely subadjacent zones of submucosal inflammation in either type of colitis. Although few cases of filiform polyposis are available for review, there has been no instance associated with carcinoma. The entity in itself does not represent an indication for colectomy.