抄録
Of 122 cases who have had r ectocolono-fiberscopy and have been biopsied under direct vision at the same time, 18 cases of melanosis coli were noted endoscopically and histopathologically. In these cases photograms obtained by the fiberscope were reviewed retrospectively in order to determine the possibility of the endoscopical diagnosis in comparison with the histopathological changes of the pigment deposition. Cases of each grade of histopathological changes are presented with endoscopical pattern. As a results, early appearance of melanosis coli is suggested endos-copically when there is evidence of a yellow fine network system and it is emphasized that there are not scarcely any findings if observe carefully. Althou-gh cause and course of depositted pigment are yet unknown, old age, constipation, and laxative use are also noted significantly in our cases except for a case with a long-term diarrhea. Association of polyps or carcinoma of the rectum of colon is discussed and an autopsy case with ulcerative colitlis accompanied with melanin-like substance deposition is described.
