Melanosis coli. An interesting case

Authors

  • Carlos Miguel Pino Torrens Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico “Arnaldo Milián Castro”, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba

Keywords:

laxatives/adverse effects, diagnostic techniques and procedures, melanosis/therapy, colon

Abstract

Melanosis coli is a benign condition characterized by dark pigmentation of the colonic mucosa as a result of chronic use of anthraquinone laxatives (cascara, sennosides, buckthorn, etc.). A 60 year-old female patient, apparently healthy, who underwent a hysterectomy 31 years ago for fibromatosis, and with frequent and prolonged use of laxatives, starts with lower gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal cramps, stools with mucus, without blood, without straining or urgency. Therefore, it was decided to perform an endoscopic and histological study of the colon to implement the appropriate treatment.

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Author Biography

Carlos Miguel Pino Torrens, Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico “Arnaldo Milián Castro”, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba

Especialista de I Grado en Gastroenterología. Profesor Instructor de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara “Dr. Serafín Ruiz de Zárate Ruiz”.

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How to Cite

1.
Pino Torrens CM. Melanosis coli. An interesting case. Acta Méd Centro [Internet]. 2011 Jul. 1 [cited 2025 Jul. 14];5(3):53. Available from: https://revactamedicacentro.sld.cu/index.php/amc/article/view/614

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2011): July-Septembre. Special Issue of Hospital Scientifics Event

Section

Abstracts

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