INCIDENCE OF ADENOMATOUS COLORECTAL POLYPS IN CARDIAC TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Background. The present study evaluates the effects of long-term immun osuppression after cardiac transplantation on the risk for adenomatous polyps. Methods. The endoscopic procedures performed at LDS and Unive rsity Hospitals in cardiac transplant recipients were reviewed and com pared with results from a previously studied control group. Results. A total of 123 endoscopic procedures were performed in 98 heart transpl ant patients (59% for cancer screening and 41% for gastrointestinal co mplaints). Eighty-five percent of patients were male and 15% were fema le; their mean age was 57 years. In the group <3 years posttransplant, adenomatous polyps were present in 25%, hyperplastic polyps were pres ent in 10%, and synchronous lesions in 3 patients. In the group >3 yea rs posttransplant, adenomatous polyps were present in 16%, hyperplasti c polyps were present in 22%, and synchronous lesions in were evident in 3 patients. No significant difference with results from a previousl y studied control group. Conclusions. Long-term immunosuppression does not increase the risk for adenomatous polyps of the colon.