Abstract

Isolated pigmentation of the terminal ileum is rare incidental finding when performing a colonoscopic examination. The common substances that cause gastrointestinal pigmentations are lipofuscin, iron sulphide(FeS), hemosiderin, and other exogenous materials such as silicates and titanium. In most cases, pigmentation of the terminal ileum has no subjective symptoms, so it is found in autopsy or incidental colonoscopic examination. The cause of pigmentation has not been clearly identified. We experienced a case of pigmentation of terminal ileum associated with long term charcoal ingestion. This finding supports that the source of ileal pigmentation is ingested material.

• Keywords: Colonoscopy, Ileum, Pigmentation, Charcoal