A patient with intestinal schistosomiasis may develop intestinal polyposis.
Species of Schistosoma associated with colonic polyps:
(1) S. mansoni
(2) S. japonicum
The typical polyp is an inflammatory polyp arising at the site of submucosal egg deposition.
The polyps usually revert following adequate therapy with antischistosomal drugs.
Complications:
(1) protein-losing enteropathy
(2) gastrointestinal blood loss
(3) colorectal neoplasia (see below)
Patients with schistosomal polyposis have an increased risk for colorectal neoplasia. The link is best seen with squamous cell carcinoma. Theories for this relationship:
(1) dysplasia associated with chronic inflammation
(2) development of adenomatous hyperplasia in the polyp
(3) coincidental (non-causal).
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