A Solitary Giant Polyp in the Cardiac Region Which Fell Off Spontaneously

Abstract

During follow up radiologic observations of 88 subjects with benign gastric polyps, four rare cases were encountered. In two of these, the polyps had become detached; in the other two, they decreased in size. One of the latter eventually disappeared. Possible causes, though not yet established, are considered. These four cases are discussed in light of earlier reports in the literature.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

43-year-old woman

Clinical Characteristics

Measuring 3.8 x 2.8 x 2.5 centimeters with a stalk 2 centimeters

Remission Characteristics

The polyp disappeared spontaneously except stalk

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Circulation within the polyp might have been disturbed by severe cough, and fell off later as a result of necrosis caused by the cough

Additional Notes

A polyp in the cardiac region is of rare occurrence; mostly it is located in the prepyloric antrum or in the body. Considered as a precancerous disease, gastric polyp is surgically resected usually whenever it is found. Lately there are some reports that solitary gastric polyp seldom changes to cancer, but long term follow-up of gastric polyp without operation is as yet insufficient. In Japanese literature, there is only one report of a solitary gastric polyp located in the prepyloric antrum, the head of which had spontaneously fallen off and disappeared. It is scarcely possible for a polyp in the cardiac area to fall off from the gastric wall because of no peristaltic movement in that area as compared with one in the prepyloric antrum. The cause of disappearance of this polyp is therefore obscure.