Melanosis Coli Associated with Aloe Consumption in a Child

Abstract

Melanosis coli is described as a black or brown discoloration of the mucosa of the colon. Such a discoloration is largely due to pigment granule deposition in macrophages in the colonic mucosa, which arises from anthraquinone-containing laxative abuse. Melanosis coli has usually been reported in the elderly. We present the first case of melanosis coli associated with aloe consumption in a Korean child. (Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2010; 13: 81∼85)