MELANOSES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT

Electronmicroscopy and electron probe energy dispersive X-ray analysis studies have substantially contributed to our understanding of the va rious gastrointestinal tract melanoses. The nature of the pigment gran ules which occur in the various melanoses is discussed; their pattern of distribution in melanosis coli, melanosis ilei, melanosis duodeni a nd melanosis oesophagi is summarized and current knowledge of the aeti ology and pathogenesis of these conditions is reviewed. Brief mention is also made of other examples of lipofuscin pigmentation, and a case of haemosiderosis ilei is described.