pseudomelanosis duodeni

Etiology

• may be associated with
  • certain medications (iron supplements & some cardiovascular medications)
  • chronic medical conditions (chronic kidney disease)

Epidemiology

• rare incidental finding

Pathology

• benign condition
• duodenal mucosa with speckled black pigmentation extending along the villi
• duodenal-biopsy samples stained with hematoxylin & eosin shows macrophages laden with black pigment in the lamina propria

Diagnostic procedures

• upper GI endoscopy

Complications

• no known clinical sequelae

Management

• no specific treatment is indicated

More general terms

• pigmentation disorder
• intestinal disease