Filiform Polyps

Filiform (thread-like) polyposis refers to the characteristic radiographic finding of multiple slender, finger-like filling defects seen on contrast studies (from the esophagus to the colon) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Filiform polyps are true polyps consisting of submucosa and mucosa. Also called postinflammatory polyps, they are seen in the healing phase of Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. The background mucosa is nearly always normal in appearance without evidence of acute inflammation.

References

• Bray JF. Filiform polyposis of the small bowel in Crohn's disease. Gastrointest Radiol. 1983;8(2):155-6.
• Cockey BM, Jones B, Bayless TM, Shauer AB. Filiform polyps of the esophagus with inflammatory bowel disease. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1985 Jun;144(6):1207-8.