Colonic malakoplakia

Colonic malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous inflammatory condition that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding and be associated with colon adenocarcinoma. Chronic bacterial infections with defective lysosomal activity in macrophages are possible causes for malakoplakia. We present a case report of asymptomatic colonic malakoplakia in an otherwise healthy woman undergoing a screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. Limited case reports and treatment guidance are available for colonic malakoplakia with only a few dozen cases in the literature. Given the potential morbidity and mortality associated with this condition, we emphasise the importance of thorough diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation even in asymptomatic patients.