Inflammatory fibroid polyp and Helicobacter pylori. Aetiology or coincidence?

Objective: To evaluate our incidence of inflammatory fibroid polyps, compar e our experience with that of others, and to analyze the possible pathophys iological and aetiological factors. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Teaching hospital. Material: All histopathological slides of the gastrointestinal tract. Main outcome measures: Incidence and treatment in our Medical Center and el sewhere. Results: We could find only one case of inflammatory fibroid polyp, an esti mated incidence of 1/4000. Between 1987-1996 only 331 were reported elsewhe re, most of which (293, 88.5%), were located in the stomach. Conclusion: Primary mucosal damage can expose the stroma to several irritan ts (chemical, mechanical and biological), that may subsequently cause infla mmatory fibroid polyps in certain people.