Melanosis ilei induced by prolonged charcoal ingestion

• Published in: Annals of surgical treatment and research Vol. 81; no. 1; pp. 66 - 69
• Main Authors: Gun Min Kim, Eun Jung Jun, Yong Cheol Kim, Jin Min Park, Seok In Hong, Dae Young Cheung, Jin Il Kim, Youn Soo Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 대한외과학회 01.07.2011
• Subjects: 일반외과학; Melanosis; Electron microscopy; Capsule endoscopy; Ileum; Charcoal
• ISSN: 2288-6575; 2288-6796

Gastrointestinal melanosis is observed most frequently in the colon it also can develop in the ileum, duodenum and esophagus very rarely. Melanosis ilei was thought that causative materials such as aluminum, magnesium, silicate, titanium and other compounds entered the body through the ingestion of agents. We experienced a case of melanosis in the terminal ileum that a 65-year-old female patient ingested 10 g edible charcoal everyday for 3 years to address symptoms of chronic abdominal pain. In Korea, edible charcoal has been considered to be an effective folk remedy for patients with diarrhea or chronic abdominal pain. In our case, a follow up colonoscopy was performed 3.5 years after the termination of the ingestion of edible charcoal, at which point pigmentation was faded color intensity. In conclusion, it is thought that melanosis ilei is a rare disease by ingestion of causative materials and is discontinuous, local and reversible disease. KCI Citation Count: 1