Pseudomelanosis
A 60 year-old man undergoing endoscopy for evaluation of weight loss, was found to have pigment deposition
in the duodenal mucosa simulating melanosis coli, which is
a colonic mucosal pigment deposition typically caused by chronic laxative use. In this case the pigment was iron,
due to the patient's chronic use of iron supplements. Biopsy demonstrated clusters of iron-filled macrophages in the lamina
propria, confirmed with iron staining.
75 year-old woman undergoing upper endoscopy for abdominal pain and melena. Findings included pigmented duodenal mucosa. Biospies were obtained and special iron stains confirmed the suspicion of pseudomelanosis.
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