Juvenile polyposis syndrome.

Abstract

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is rare and is present when there are multiple juvenile polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, usually the colon. The importance of this condition is the association with the development of colorectal and upper gastrointestinal cancer at a young age. We report the case of a 21-year old male with a two-year history of intermittent rectal bleeding and anal protrusion. Colonoscopy revealed multiple pedunculated cherry red polyps mainly in the left colon. Histology confirmed juvenile polyps. Juvenile polyposis syndrome should be considered in young patients with colonic symptoms, especially rectal bleeding. It is important to distinguish between patients with JPS and patients with an isolated harmatomatous juvenile polyp.