Suture granuloma in rectal anastomosis mistaken for locally recurrent cancer

Granulomas in the gastrointestinal tract: deciphering the Pandora's box

Granulomas are organised collection of activated histiocytes induced by a persistent antigen stimulus. A wide variety of antigens encountered by the gastrointestinal tract are of this nature and hence the resulting granulomatous inflammation represents a tissue reaction pattern. The potential causes can be broadly classified as infections or non-infectious immune reactions. There is also a group where a cause is never identified. Granulomas may be of varying morphological appearance, most commonly epithelioid, foreign body type, suppurative and necrotizing. This may provide a clue as to the aetiology; however, in most cases, the cause requires further inquiry. Pathologists may need to cut deeper levels to look for foreign material and apply special stains to look for microorganisms. Pathologists also need to be certain that the process is a true granuloma and not a mimic. The site of occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract and the clinical setting is often paramount in establishing the aetiology. For instance, infections are more likely the cause in developing countries or when there is immunosuppression. Similarly, granulomas in the stomach are usually due to Crohn's disease; however, it is only rarely the cause of granulomas isolated to the appendix.

Endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis of foreign bodies of the colon and rectum

Although the ingestion of foreign bodies is a common clinical problem, severe complications such as perforation are rare and occur in less than 1% of cases. Different types of foreign bodies and the various affected regions within the gastrointestinal tract make foreign body ingestion a complex entity, with a wide range of presentation requiring different diagnostic modalities. We report two cases of patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound for evaluation of sub-epithelial lesions consisting of foreign body granulomas in the colon and rectum. Colorectal foreign body granuloma is a rare complication after accidental ingestion. Endoscopic ultrasound can be a useful diagnostic tool and can avoid the need for more invasive procedures.

Mesenteric suture granuloma caused by retained fragments of suture material in a girl who had a laparotomy 12 years previously

The authors report a case of a mesenteric suture granuloma in a 12 year-old-girl who had a small bowel resection for a complicated intussusception at the age of 5 months. At later exploration a whitish round tumor located on the anti-mesenteric side of the intestine was found. Several small intestinal loops also abutted on the tumor. Pathologic examination showed fibrosis and a granuloma containing linear colored braided suture material with multinucleated giant cell. As mesenteric suture granulomas have a complex appearance and mimic a soft tissue tumor during imaging, it is important for a surgeon to know about this condition and to consider the history of previous surgery when evaluating the images of patients presenting with an abdominal or pelvic mass. Suture granulomas separate from previous suture sites have not been described in the literature.

New insights into gastrointestinal and hepatic granulomatous disorders

Numerous diseases that involve the gastrointestinal tract reveal the presence of granulomas on histological analysis. Granulomatous diseases can be either primary or secondary to environmental factors. Granulomas are dynamic structures composed of organized collections of activated macrophages, including epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells, surrounded by lymphocytes. The formation of granulomas is usually in response to antigenic stimulation and is orchestrated through cytokines, immune cells and host genetics. In this Review, the pathogenesis and etiologies of granulomas of the gastrointestinal tract and liver are discussed, as are the available diagnostic tools to help differentiate their various underlying etiologies. In addition, the role of granulomas in harboring latent tuberculosis is reviewed. The effects of tumor necrosis factor antagonists and interferon-α on the development of granulomas are also discussed.

Foreign body granuloma mimicking intracranial meningioma: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Intracranial foreign body granulomas are rare. We describe a case of an intracranial foreign body granuloma found in a 17-year-old female patient 9 years after she underwent a craniotomy for a tumor of unknown type. Postoperative imaging of patients who have undergone neurosurgical procedures can often reveal enhancing masses, and foreign body granuloma should be included in the differential diagnosis.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The patient presented with a history of developmental delay, panhypopituitarism, and chronic headache. Admission resulted from an acute increase in the severity of her headache.

INTERVENTION

Imaging studies, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, demonstrated a 1.5 x 2 cm round, enhancing anterior interhemispheric mass, appearing to arise from the falx and causing mild mass effect. A nonenhancing cystic mass was also noted in the suprasellar region but was without mass effect. The patient underwent a craniotomy and removal of the anterior mass without complication, and her headache resolved. A pathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of foreign body granuloma.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, foreign body granuloma should be included in the differential diagnosis of previously operated intracranial masses. The importance of accurate historical information and guidelines that may assist in diagnosis are discussed.