Gender, age, and concomitant diseases of melanosis coli in China: a multicenter study of 6,090 cases

Abstract

Backgrounds and AimsMelanosis coli (MC) is a noninflammatory, benign, and reversible colonic disorder, but its detection rates in China are unclear. We therefore aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of MC in China.MethodsWe assessed the detection rates, associated factors and concomitant diseases of MC in the patients who underwent colonoscopy at eight medical centers across five regions of China between January 2006 and October 2016. All data were procured from the electronic database established at each participating institutions.ResultsAmong the 342,922 included cases, MC was detected in 6,090 cases (detection rate = 1.78%, 95% confidence interval, 1.73%–1.82%) at a mean age of 60 years. The detection rate gradually increased yearly, and along with the increasing age regardless of gender, while a rapid increase presented in the patients ≥60 years of age (0.58% for ≤25 years, 1.22% for 25–59 years, and 3.19% for ≥60 years). The detection rate was higher in females than in males; however, the rate of per-year increase was higher in males than in females at age of ≥60 years, which was 1.85-fold of that in females. Among cancer, polyp, inflammation, and diverticula, polyp was the most common concomitant disease of MC and identified in 41.72% of MC patients.ConclusionsMC detection rates were increased annually and elevated in older patients, particularly in male patients. Males in the elderly population of ≥60 years were most likely to have MC. Colonic polyp is the most common concomitant disease of MC.

Melanosis Coli: Case Report

“…Although there is no clear information about the incidence of melanosis coli, rates ranging from 1-59.5% have been reported. 4,5 It is more common in women as in our case and in older age. 1,6 Pigment can be observed more intensively in the cecum and ascending colon than in the distal column.…”

“…7 It can be seen in varying rates in inflammatory bowel disease, colonic diverticulum, chronic diarrhea, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, colorectal polyps and tumors. 5,8 It has been reported in the literature that it is frequently associated with colonic polyps. 5,9 In one study, it was emphasized that pigment-free polyps were more easily detected in endoscopic examination because of the black-brown color of the mucosa.…”

“…5,8 It has been reported in the literature that it is frequently associated with colonic polyps. 5,9 In one study, it was emphasized that pigment-free polyps were more easily detected in endoscopic examination because of the black-brown color of the mucosa. 5 These polyps may include adenomatous polyps, which may include carcinoma focus.…”

“…5,9 In one study, it was emphasized that pigment-free polyps were more easily detected in endoscopic examination because of the black-brown color of the mucosa. 5 These polyps may include adenomatous polyps, which may include carcinoma focus. Biopsy from the non-pigmented areas in the recognition and exclusion of these lesions is also among the recommendations.…”

High Detection Rate and Risk Factors of Melanosis Coli in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Awaiting Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in China

“…Lysosomes use apoptotic cells ingested by marcrophages and then transported into the lamina propria to generate lipofuscin pigment, is thought to be MC's formation mechanism [14,15] . In recent decades, the detection rate of MC has been progressively increased together with the aging of the people, the increasing popularity of constipation and advances in colonoscopic diagnosis [12,16] . Factors associated with MC include female, elder, constipation and use of anthranoid laxatives [16,17] .…”