Anal skin tag – An unusual presenting feature of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis in a neonate

Article type: Case Report

Authors: Zaki, S. A.^{; *} | Banur, D.

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Syed Ahmed Zaki, Department of Paediatrics, NMC Royal hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tel.: +971 58993960; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Anal skin tags are commonly seen with anal fissures, haemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease and their association have been extensively studied. However the presence of anal skin tag in food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis has rarely been reported in literature. We report a neonate with food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis who presented with blood in stool and anal skin tag. CASE DESCRIPTION:A 26-day-old baby presented with history of passing intermittent blood in stools for two days. The baby was exclusively breast-fed and was well-appearing with no failure to thrive. Two anal skin tags were present but there was no evidence of anal fissures or haemorrhoids. The biopsy of anal skin tag showed fibroepithelial polyp. Colonoscopy was suggestive of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis. In view of poor response to elimination diet in the mother and extensively hydrolysed formula, the baby was started on amino acid formula with complete recovery. CONCLUSION:Through this case we wish to highlight that clinicians should consider food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis in their differential diagnosis in a neonate presenting with blood in stools and anal skin tag.

Keywords: Anal skin tag, allergic proctocolitis, neonate, fibroepithelial polyp, infant

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-200523

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 441-444, 2021