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González IA, Conrad M, Weinbrom S, Patel T, Kelsen JR, Russo P. Clinicopathologic Characterization of Lymphocytic Colitis in the Pediatric Population. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:156-168. [PMID: 38160439 PMCID: PMC11972057 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231215117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphocytic colitis (LC) in the pediatric population has been associated with immune dysregulation. METHODS Single-center retrospective study of pediatric LC. RESULTS 50 patients (35 female, 70%) with a median age of 12 years at diagnosis (interquartile range: 5.7-15.8) of LC were identified. At presentation, 11 patients (22%) had malnutrition, 16 (32%) had a known underlying immune dysregulation, 4 (8%) had celiac disease (CD), and none had a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. The most common medications prior to diagnosis were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitor, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (10% each). Colonic biopsies showed a median number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs)/100 epithelial cells of 48 (range: 25-85), and only 10% of cases had neutrophilic cryptitis. Upper gastrointestinal tract findings included lymphocytic esophagitis (4%), and duodenal IELs without and with villous blunting (9% each) (n: 47). Ten patients (23%) had increased IELs in the terminal ileum (n: 43). Treatments including 5-ASA, budesonide, prednisone, and gluten-free diet improved symptoms in <50% of patients (n: 42), and all follow-up colonoscopies showed persistent LC (n: 13). CONCLUSION Our study supports the association of LC with immune-mediated conditions, most commonly celiac disease. Symptomatic improvement was seen in <50% of patients with none of the patients with repeat colonoscopy showing histologic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván A. González
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Maire Conrad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Weinbrom
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Trusha Patel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Judith R. Kelsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pierre Russo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Le C, Zeffren N, Kramer N, Rosenstein ED. Rheumatologic Associations of Microscopic Colitis: A Narrative Review. Mod Rheumatol 2022; 33:441-447. [PMID: 35993773 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Extra-intestinal manifestations are frequent complications of the classical inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, in addition to the classical diseases, there is a spectrum of conditions, often termed "microscopic colitis", in which extra-intestinal manifestations are less well described. Our objective was to review the literature regarding the extra-intestinal manifestations complicating microscopic colitis and describe the association with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. A comprehensive search and review of peer-reviewed English-language and international journals and reports was completed based on key terms, including "microscopic colitis", "lymphocytic colitis", "collagenous colitis", "inflammatory bowel disease", "extraintestinal manifestations", and the specific disease associations utilizing the PubMed Central database and MEDLINE. A broad spectrum of rheumatologic manifestations has been reported in patients with microscopic colitis. The identification of rheumatoid arthritis and limited scleroderma as co-morbidities with microscopic colitis was noteworthy. Inflammatory arthropathy was frequently seen in microscopic colitis, usually preceding or occurring in conjunction with the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. A variety of presentations of associated arthritis were reported: migratory, symmetric or asymmetric, peripheral or axial, oligoarticular or polyarticular, erosive or non-erosive. There was a high incidence of autoantibodies in these patients, supporting a potential autoimmune association. On the basis of these anecdotal reports, we would suggest development of a clinical registry to help define the incidence of extra-intestinal manifestations and systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases among microscopic colitis patients to help elucidate shared predispositions, pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Le
- Department of Medicine, Bayonne Medical Center, CarePoint Health, Bayonne, NJ, USA
| | - Noam Zeffren
- Department of Medicine, Bayonne Medical Center, CarePoint Health, Bayonne, NJ, USA
| | - Neil Kramer
- Institute for Rheumatic & Autoimmune Diseases, Overlook Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Summit, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Elliot D Rosenstein
- Institute for Rheumatic & Autoimmune Diseases, Overlook Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Summit, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
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Chi Z, Xu J, Saxena R. Increased Mast Cell Counts and Degranulation in Microscopic Colitis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:9089027. [PMID: 32148478 PMCID: PMC7057011 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9089027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Microscopic colitis (MC) is characterized by chronic diarrhea, normal colonoscopy findings, and mucosal inflammation in colonic biopsies and can be classified as collagenous colitis (CC) or lymphocytic colitis (LC). However, the pathogenesis of MC is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to study mast cell counts and activation in MC. METHODS We investigated 64 biopsy samples from the surgical pathology database of Indiana University Health, which met the diagnostic criteria for CC or LC along with 20 control samples collected from 2014 to 2015. The specimens were used for the quantification of mast cells by examining the presence of intracellular and extracellular tryptase by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In the lamina propria, the mast cell count was higher in both CC and LC groups than the control (mean highest count, 39/high-power field (HPF) vs. 30/HPF vs. 23/HPF; P < 0.01). Extracellular tryptase was present in 10% of control subjects as compared to 41% of CC (P < 0.01). Extracellular tryptase was present in 10% of control subjects as compared to 41% of CC (P < 0.01). Extracellular tryptase was present in 10% of control subjects as compared to 41% of CC (. CONCLUSIONS The increased mast cell count and degranulation are identified in MC, suggesting that mast cell activation might be involved in the pathogenesis of MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Chi
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Romil Saxena
- 2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Setia N, Alpert L, van der Sloot KWJ, Colussi D, Stewart KO, Misdraji J, Khalili H, Lauwers GY. Lymphocytic colitis: pathologic predictors of response to therapy. Hum Pathol 2018; 78:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Abaylı B, Gençdal G, Değirmencioğlu Ş. Correlation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and Ranson score in acute pancreatitis. J Clin Lab Anal 2018; 32:e22437. [PMID: 29575044 PMCID: PMC6816873 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and abdominal pain. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is used as a marker of inflammation. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate novel early prognostic predictors of AP, such as NLR and its correlation with the Ranson score. METHODS A total 435 patients (Male: 152; 34.9%, Age: 63.53 ± 17.22 years) were included in the study. Data were collected by two clinicians scanning the registered hospital records. RESULTS Classification of the patients according to the aetiologies revealed gallstone(s) 58.6% (n = 255), hyperlipidaemia 2.2% (n = 9), viruses 0.7% (n = 3), malignancies 0.5% (n = 2), and alcohol 0.2% (n = 1). No reason was discovered in 37.9% (n = 165) of patients. Age, duration in the intensive care unit, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and the NLR were greater in the group with a Ranson score ≥3 than the group with a Ranson score <3. DISCUSSION Quick diagnosis is essential in AP. Current scoring systems for AP diagnosis are complicated, whereas NLP is a simple, practical, and effective marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahri Abaylı
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyCukurova Dr. Askım Tufekci HospitalAdanaTurkey
| | - Genco Gençdal
- Center of TransplantationDepartment of Gastroenterology and HepatologyYeni Yuzyıl, School of MedicineİstanbulTurkey
| | - Şerife Değirmencioğlu
- Department of Internal MedicineYeni Yüzyıl University School of MedicineIstanbulTurkey
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Iqbal U, Anwar H, Quadri AA. Atypical Colonoscopic Presentation of Lymphocytic Colitis Mimicking Hyperplastic Polyposis Syndrome. Cureus 2018; 10:e2159. [PMID: 29637040 PMCID: PMC5886731 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytic colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of colon usually presented in middle age female as chronic watery diarrhea. Diagnosis is made on biopsy as colonoscopy usually revealed normal appearing colonic mucosa. We present here an unusual case of a 25-year-old female with past medical history of asthma was evaluated for one year of non-bloody watery diarrhea. The symptoms started after a course of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infection a year back. The serum chemistries, including liver enzymes, were unremarkable. Stool culture, ova, and parasites were unremarkable. Stool Clostridium difficile was also negative. Celiac disease antibodies were unremarkable. Stool occult blood test was positive. The patient underwent colonoscopy for the evaluation of chronic diarrhea and revealed multiple polyps throughout the colon with inflamed surfaces which were biopsied. The concern was for hyperplastic polyposis syndrome. Genetic testing for adenomatous polyposis gene was done and came back negative. Biopsy from polyps revealed lymphocytic colitis. The patient was started on budesonide which resulted in marked improvement in her symptoms. Our case highlighted an atypical endoscopic finding of lymphocytic colitis which mimic hyperplastic polyposis syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hafsa Anwar
- Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan
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Marlicz W, Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Yung DE, Loniewski I, Koulaouzidis A. Endoscopic findings and colonic perforation in microscopic colitis: A systematic review. Dig Liver Dis 2017; 49:1073-1085. [PMID: 28847471 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microscopic colitis (MC) is a clinical syndrome of severe watery diarrhea with few or no endoscopic abnormalities. The incidence of MC is reported similar to that of other inflammatory bowel diseases. The need for histological confirmation of MC frequently guides reimbursement health policies. With the advent of high-definition (HD) coloscopes, the incidence of reporting distinct endoscopic findings in MC has risen. This has the potential to improve timely diagnosis and cost-effective MC management and diminish the workload and costs of busy modern endoscopy units. METHODS Publications on distinct endoscopic findings in MC available until March 31st, 2017 were searched systematically (electronic and manual) in PubMed database. The following search terms/descriptors were used: collagenous colitis (CC) OR lymphocytic colitis (LC) AND endoscopy, colonoscopy, findings, macroscopic, erythema, mucosa, vasculature, scars, lacerations, fractures. An additional search for MC AND perforation was made. RESULTS Eighty (n=80) articles, predominantly single case reports (n=49), were found. Overall, 1582 (1159F; 61.6±14.1 years) patients (pts) with MC and endoscopic findings were reported. The majority of articles (n=62) were on CC (pts 756; 77.5% females). We identified 16 papers comprising 779 pts (69.2% females) with LC and 7 articles describing 47 pts (72.3% females) diagnosed as MC. The youngest patient was 10 and the oldest a 97-year-old. Aside diarrhea, symptoms included abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, flatulence, edema and others. In the study group we found 615 (38.8%) persons with macroscopic lesions in gut. Isolated linear ulcerations were identified in 7 pts (1.1%) while non-ulcerous lesions i.e. pseudomembranes, a variable degree of vasculature pruning & dwindling, mucosal lacerations and abnormalities such as erythema/edema/nodularity, or surface textural alteration in 608 pts (98.1%). The location of endoscopic findings was not reported in 27 articles. The distinct endoscopic findings were described in the left (descending, sigmoid, rectum - 10/21/11 studies), right (cecum, ascending - 7/7 studies), transverse colon (n=12), as well as duodenum (n=4), and terminal ileum (n=2). In 17 (1.1%) pts colonic perforation occurred. CONCLUSION Endoscopic findings are recognized with increased frequency in pts with MC. This could improve MC diagnosis by prompting a more extensive biopsy protocol in such cases and an earlier initiation of treatment. Procedure-related perforation has been reported in this group; therefore, cautious air insufflation is advisable when endoscopic findings are recognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Marlicz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
| | | | - Diana E Yung
- Centre for Liver and Digestive Disorders, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Loniewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland; Sanprobi Sp. z o.o. Sp. K, Szczecin, Poland
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8
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Pardi DS. Diagnosis and Management of Microscopic Colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2017; 112:78-85. [PMID: 27897155 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Microscopic colitis (MC) is a relatively common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, especially in older persons. Associated symptoms, including abdominal pain and arthralgias, are common. The diagnosis is based upon characteristic histological findings in the presence of diarrhea. The two types of MC, collagenous and lymphocytic colitis, share similar clinical features, with the main difference being the presence or absence of a thickened subepithelial collagen band. There are several treatment options for patients with MC, although only budesonide has been well studied in multiple controlled clinical trials. This review will describe the clinical features, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of patients with MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell S Pardi
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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9
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Abstract
Collagenous and lymphocytic/microscopic colitis represent a distinct histopathologic spectrum of findings, with occasional transition, observed in patients with normal or near-normal colonoscopic findings and chronic watery diarrhea (watery diarrhea- colitis syndrome). Biopsies are characterized by surface epithelial damage, an increased number of chronic inflamatory cells in the lamina propria, intraepithelial lymphocyto sis, intact crypt architecture, and in the cases of collagenous colitis, a thickened subepi thelial collagen layer (SCL). While their precise interrelationship is unclear, as their clinicopathologic similarities far outweigh their differences, it appears reasonable for pathologists and clinicians to consider them conceptually together as part of a syn drome of chronic watery diarrhea and colitis distinct from other forms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The etiology and pathogenesis of this syndrome are un clear. Colorectal surface epithelial damage appears to be for the most part responsible for the secretory diarrhea, while the thickened SCL appears to be a variable response to the surface epithelial damage. Why the thickened SCL occurs only in some cases, why it does not occur in other forms of colitis, and whether it functions as a diffusion barrier are unknown. The propensity of the watery diarrhea-colitis syndrome to pref erentially affect middle-aged and elderly women, an association with autoimmune disorders, and clinicopathologic similarities to celiac disease suggest that host immune factors are important. Other dietary factors, medications, or other agents may also play a role, and this is currently under investigation. Small bowel villous atrophy appears to account for the presence of steatorrhea noted in some reports. Definitive diagnosis is facilitated by the procurement of multiple, well-oriented biopsies, prefera bly extending at least into the proximal left colon. A thickened SCL occasionally can only be demonstrated in biopsies from the right colon. An appreciation of the normal variation found in colorectal biopsies and recognition of artifactual thickening of the subepithelial basement membrane in maloriented sections and in relation to bowel preparation will eliminate overdiagnosis of normal biopsies, while the absence of fea tures typical for other forms of inflammatory bowel disease facilitates differential diag nosis. Patients may respond dramatically to therapeutic intervention with drugs often used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, however, spontaneous remissions are well documented. A colitis-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence has not as yet been docu mented to occur in this patient population. In just over one decade the morphologic features of the watery diarrhea-colitis syndrome have come to be recognized. Hope fully, the next decade of observation and investigation will help to clarify the precise relationship between cases with and without a thickened SCL, as well as the etiology and pathogenesis of the secretory diarrhea. Int J Surg Pathol 1 (1): 65-82, 1993
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H. Saul
- Department of Pathology, Chester County Hospital, 701 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380
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Sun J, Lin J, Parashette K, Zhang J, Fan R. Association of lymphocytic colitis and lactase deficiency in pediatric population. Pathol Res Pract 2014; 211:138-44. [PMID: 25523228 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Characterized by colonic mucosa intraepithelial lymphocytosis, lymphocytic colitis is primarily an entity presented in the middle-aged to elderly patient population. Very few large series of lymphocytic colitis of childhood occurrence are available in the medical literature. Ten cases each of lymphocytic colitis and of colonic lymphocytosis of other diagnosis, all with duodenal disaccharidases analysis data, were collected from the files of our institution. The electronic medical records were reviewed and multiple variables were analyzed. The ten patients with lymphocytic colitis presented with diarrhea. Of these, three had abdominal pain. The age range was 2-18 years. Nearly all patients were Caucasian (90%) and 70% were female. Endoscopically, most had normal appearing colonic mucosa. Significant past medical history, family medical history and associated comorbidities included celiac disease, Down syndrome, juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, the most revealing observation was that the majority of cases (80%) were associated with lactase deficiency and, for the most part, gastrointestinal symptoms improved simply by treatment with Lactaid or avoidance of dairy products. This association is statistically significant. Our clinicopathological study indicates that the typical pediatric patient is a female Caucasian. A large of portion of the patients had associated lactase deficiency and improved on Lactaid supplement alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jingmei Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kalayan Parashette
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology/Nutrition, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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The Natural Antimicrobial Enzyme Lysozyme is Up-Regulated in Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Conditions. Pathogens 2014; 3:73-92. [PMID: 25437608 PMCID: PMC4235737 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens3010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cells that line the mucosa of the human gastrointestinal tract (GI, that is, oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum) are constantly challenged by adverse micro-environmental factors, such as different pH, enzymes, and bacterial flora. With exception of the oral cavity, these microenvironments also contain remnant cocktails of secreted enzymes and bacteria from upper organs along the tract. The density of the GI bacteria varies, from 103/mL near the gastric outlet, to 1010/mL at the ileocecal valve, to 1011 to 1012/mL in the colon. The total microbial population (ca. 1014) exceeds the total number of cells in the tract. It is, therefore, remarkable that despite the prima facie inauspicious mixture of harmful secretions and bacteria, the normal GI mucosa retains a healthy state of cell renewal. To counteract the hostile microenvironment, the GI epithelia react by speeding cell exfoliation (the GI mucosa has a turnover time of two to three days), by increasing peristalsis, by eliminating bacteria through secretion of plasma cell-immunoglobulins and by increasing production of natural antibacterial compounds, such as defensin-5 and lysozyme. Only recently, lysozyme was found up-regulated in Barrett's oesophagitis, chronic gastritis, gluten-induced atrophic duodenitis (coeliac disease), collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and Crohn's colitis. This up-regulation is a response directed to the special types of bacteria recently detected in these diseases. The aim of lysozyme up-regulation is to protect individual mucosal segments to chronic inflammation. The molecular mechanisms connected to the crosstalk between the intraluminal bacterial flora and the production of lysozyme released by the GI mucosae, are discussed. Bacterial resistance continues to exhaust our supply of commercial antibiotics. The potential use of lysozyme to treat infectious diseases is receiving much attention.
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Wittekind C, Höhn AK. Mikroskopische Erkrankungen des Gastrointestinaltrakts – eine Domäne der Pathologie? DER GASTROENTEROLOGE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11377-013-0791-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Zagorowicz E, Mroz A, Kraszewska E, Rupinski M, Kaminski MF, Regula J. Chronic low-dose aspirin use does not alter colonic mucosa in asymptomatic individuals: a prospective cross-sectional study (STROBE 1a). J Clin Pathol 2013; 67:143-52. [PMID: 23999268 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2012-201368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aspirin may be involved in microscopic colitis (MC) development, but there are no data on colon histology in asymptomatic aspirin users. We prospectively assessed colonic and rectal mucosa from aspirin users, searching for MC features. METHODS From colonoscopy screenees, two biopsy samples were taken from each of three locations: ascending colon, transverse colon and rectum. A pathologist measured chronicity of inflammation and activity indicators, epithelial cell height and subepithelial collagen layer width. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), intralaminal eosinophils and apoptotic cells/100 crypts were counted. Panel data models were used to analyse associations between aspirin use, biopsy location and microscopic parameters. RESULTS Of 100 screenees (age: 40-65 years), 42 were current aspirin users. Median duration of aspirin usage was 48 months (range: 36-60) with dosage ranging from 75-325 mg/day. We observed reduced epithelium polymorphs in subjects who used aspirin for <48 months versus non-users (p=0.008). Paneth cell metaplasia was significantly less frequent in aspirin users versus non-users (p=0.006). Inflammatory cells in lamina propria (eosinophils) and epithelium (IELs) were most abundant in the ascending colon and decreased distally (ascending colon vs transverse colon and transverse colon vs rectum). Cryptitis was more frequent in the ascending colon vs the rectum. CONCLUSIONS We observed no specific MC features in asymptomatic chronic low-dose aspirin users. We found subtle physiological and histopathological differences between the bowel segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Zagorowicz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Center for Postgraduate Education and The Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology, , Warsaw, Poland
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Jegadeesan R, Liu X, Pagadala MR, Gutierrez N, Butt M, Navaneethan U. Microscopic colitis: Is it a spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease? World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:4252-4256. [PMID: 23864791 PMCID: PMC3710430 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i26.4252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytic and collagenous colitis are forms of microscopic colitis which typically presents in elderly patients as chronic watery diarrhea. The association between microscopic colitis and inflammatory bowel disease is weak and unclear. Lymphocytic colitis progressing to ulcerative colitis has been previously reported; however there is limited data on ulcerative colitis evolving into microscopic (lymphocytic or collagenous) colitis. We report a series of six patients with documented ulcerative colitis who subsequently were diagnosed with collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis suggesting microscopic colitis could be a part of the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease. The median duration of ulcerative colitis prior to being diagnosed with microscopic colitis was 15 years. We noted complete histological and/or symptomatic remission in three out of six cases while the other three patients reverted back into ulcerative colitis suggesting lymphocytic or collagenous colitis could present as a continuum of ulcerative colitis. The exact molecular mechanism of this histological transformation or the prognostic implications is still unclear. Till then it might be prudent to follow up these patients to assess for the relapse of inflammatory bowel disease as well as for dysplasia surveillance.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biopsy
- Colitis, Collagenous/classification
- Colitis, Collagenous/diagnosis
- Colitis, Collagenous/pathology
- Colitis, Collagenous/therapy
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/classification
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/diagnosis
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/pathology
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/therapy
- Colitis, Ulcerative/classification
- Colitis, Ulcerative/diagnosis
- Colitis, Ulcerative/pathology
- Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy
- Colon/pathology
- Colonoscopy
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Recurrence
- Remission Induction
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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Liu X, Xiao SY, Plesec TP, Jiang W, Goldblum JR, Lazenby AJ. Collagenous colitis in children and adolescents: study of 7 cases and literature review. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:881-7. [PMID: 23348901 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the clinical and pathologic characteristics of collagenous colitis (CC) in children and adolescents. Seven patients (five females and two males, median age: 13 years, ranging from 4 to 16) were included. Four (of 7, 57%) patients presented with non-bloody watery diarrhea, one with alternating constipation and diarrhea with rectal prolapse, one with constipation, and one with normal bowel movement. Abdominal pain and weight loss were manifested in 80 and 40% patients, respectively. Two patients had celiac disease in remission. None of the patients took non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents. All patients had normal colonoscopy, but had typical histologic features of CC in colon biopsies. Four patients had clinical follow-up (24-75 months duration, median 54 months): three patients had no gastrointestinal symptoms upon follow-up, but one patient had continued symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation. Two patients had follow-up biopsies: one showed persistence of CC, and one had complete histologic resolution. We conclude that while CC is rare in children and adolescents, the clinical presentation is similar to adults, with a female preponderance, presentation with diarrhea and abdominal pain, and an association with celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. However, compared with adults, children and adolescents are more likely to have weight loss and an atypical presentation including alternating constipation and diarrhea, constipation alone or normal bowel movements. Treatment is less standardized in children and adolescents with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Liu
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Extracolonic gastrointestinal tract morphologic findings in a case of pseudomembranous collagenous colitis. Ann Diagn Pathol 2013; 17:291-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Storr MA. Microscopic colitis: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and current management-an update 2013. ISRN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2013; 2013:352718. [PMID: 23691336 PMCID: PMC3654232 DOI: 10.1155/2013/352718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic diarrhea. Over the last years the incidence and the prevalence of microscopic colitis are rising and this rise is largely attributed to a rising awareness, and concomitantly an increasing number of diagnoses are made. Patients with microscopic colitis report watery, nonbloody diarrhea of chronic, intermittent, or chronic recurrent course. Following an unremarkable physical examination the diagnosis of microscopic colitis is made by colonoscopy, which shows essentially a normal colonic mucosa. Biopsies taken during the colonoscopy procedure will then finally establish the correct diagnosis. Histological workup can then confirm a diagnosis of microscopic colitis and can distinguish the two distinct histological forms, namely, collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Presently both forms are diagnosed and treated in the same way; thus the description of the two forms is not of clinical value, though this may change in future. Depending on the patients age and gender 10-30% of patients investigated for chronic diarrhea will be diagnosed with microscopic colitis if biopsies are taken. Microscopic colitis is most common in older patients, especially in female patients and is frequently associated with autoimmune disorders and the consumption of several drugs. This review summarizes the present knowledge of the epidemiology, the pathophysiology, and the diagnosis of microscopic colitis and discusses the former and the present treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Alexander Storr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Ianiro G, Cammarota G, Valerio L, Annicchiarico BE, Milani A, Siciliano M, Gasbarrini A. Microscopic colitis. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:6206-6215. [PMID: 23180940 PMCID: PMC3501768 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i43.6206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microscopic colitis may be defined as a clinical syndrome, of unknown etiology, consisting of chronic watery diarrhea, with no alterations in the large bowel at the endoscopic and radiologic evaluation. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis is only possible by histological analysis. The epidemiological impact of this disease has become increasingly clear in the last years, with most data coming from Western countries. Microscopic colitis includes two histological subtypes [collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC)] with no differences in clinical presentation and management. Collagenous colitis is characterized by a thickening of the subepithelial collagen layer that is absent in LC. The main feature of LC is an increase of the density of intra-epithelial lymphocytes in the surface epithelium. A number of pathogenetic theories have been proposed over the years, involving the role of luminal agents, autoimmunity, eosinophils, genetics (human leukocyte antigen), biliary acids, infections, alterations of pericryptal fibroblasts, and drug intake; drugs like ticlopidine, carbamazepine or ranitidine are especially associated with the development of LC, while CC is more frequently linked to cimetidine, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and lansoprazole. Microscopic colitis typically presents as chronic or intermittent watery diarrhea, that may be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss and incontinence. Recent evidence has added new pharmacological options for the treatment of microscopic colitis: the role of steroidal therapy, especially oral budesonide, has gained relevance, as well as immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine. The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents, infliximab and adalimumab, constitutes a new, interesting tool for the treatment of microscopic colitis, but larger, adequately designed studies are needed to confirm existing data.
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Tuteja AK, Fang JC, Al-Suqi M, Stoddard GJ, Hale DC. Double-blind placebo-controlled study of mesalamine in post-infective irritable bowel syndrome--a pilot study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:1159-64. [PMID: 22783919 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2012.694903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-infective irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is characterized by continuing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, typically diarrhea-predominant, following an episode of acute gastroenteritis. There is often an increase in sub-epithelial inflammatory and neuroendocrine cells on colonic mucosal biopsy. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent, effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The goal of this study was to compare mesalamine to placebo on symptoms and quality-of-life (QOL) in PI-IBS. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty patients who developed diarrhea-predominant IBS after gastroenteritis were randomized to receive mesalamine (Asacol®) 1.6 gm b.i.d. or placebo for 12 weeks in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. QOL was assessed using the IBS-QOL questionnaire. Stool frequency, stool consistency, urgency, severity of abdominal pain, severity of bloating, and global-improvement scale were recorded in daily diaries for 7 days at baseline and every 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by comparing the change from baseline to last follow-up. RESULTS One patient withdrew after randomization; data were incomplete in two patients. Thus, data were analyzed from 17 patients (11 men and 6 women, median age: 27 years, range 22-45 years). Mesalamine was not associated with significant improvement in global symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, stool urgency, frequency, or consistency (all p ≥ 0.11) or QOL (p ≥ 0.16). CONCLUSIONS There was no significant improvement in global symptoms or overall QOL with mesalamine in patients with PI-IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok K Tuteja
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Utah, School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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Rasmussen MA, Munck LK. Systematic review: are lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis two subtypes of the same disease - microscopic colitis? Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 36:79-90. [PMID: 22670660 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite similar clinical symptoms, collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC) are considered two distinct disease entities. AIM To compare pathoanatomical findings, clinical presentations, risk factors, course of diseases and response to treatment in CC and LC to establish whether they could be subtypes of the same disease, microscopic colitis (MC). METHODS The MEDLINE was searched for CC, LC and MC, and clinical studies of >20 patients were included. Pooled results with 95% confidence intervals were calculated based on the number of patients. RESULTS An abnormal number of intraepithelial lymphocytes are found in 45% (40-50%) with CC, and an abnormal subepithelial collagen band in 16% (13-20%) with LC suggesting a histological overlap. The incidence of CC and LC has increased in parallel. Mean age (CC 63 years; LC 60 years) and clinical presentation are indistinguishable, and females are predominant in CC (77%; 75-79%) as well as LC (68%; 66-70%). Risk factors such as nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs consumption CC 39% (36-42%); LC 32% (29-35%) are similar and prevalence of concomitant autoimmune diseases such as coeliac disease (CC 5%; CI: 4-6% and LC 7%; CI: 6-9%) do not differ. Bile acid diarrhoea is highly prevalent in CC (41%; 37-45%) and LC (29%; 24-34%). The effect of budesonide is identical. CONCLUSIONS CC and LC could be considered histological subtypes of the same disease, MC. To facilitate recruitment to clinical trials, all MC patients could be included in future trials and stratified for subtypes.
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MESH Headings
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Budesonide/therapeutic use
- Colitis, Collagenous/classification
- Colitis, Collagenous/drug therapy
- Colitis, Collagenous/pathology
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/classification
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/drug therapy
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/pathology
- Colitis, Microscopic/classification
- Colitis, Microscopic/drug therapy
- Colitis, Microscopic/pathology
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Humans
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Rasmussen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Khor TS, Fujita H, Nagata K, Shimizu M, Lauwers GY. Biopsy interpretation of colonic biopsies when inflammatory bowel disease is excluded. J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:226-48. [PMID: 22322659 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0539-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The interpretation of colonic biopsies related to inflammatory conditions can be challenging because the colorectal mucosa has a limited repertoire of morphologic responses to various injurious agents. Only few processes have specific diagnostic features, and many of the various histological patterns reflect severity and duration of the disease. Importantly the correlation with endoscopic and clinical information is often cardinal to arrive at a specific diagnosis in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze S Khor
- Gastrointestinal Pathology Service, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Warren 219, Boston, MA, USA.
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Lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis: a review of clinicopathologic features and immunologic abnormalities. Adv Anat Pathol 2012; 19:28-38. [PMID: 22156832 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0b013e31823d7705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC), 2 histologic forms of microscopic colitis, were recognized as rare disease entities 4 decades ago. An increasing body of evidence accumulated in the past 40 years reveals increasing incidence and prevalence rates, a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, and several histologic variants. Although several recent randomized clinical trials confirmed the efficacy of oral budesonide in treating LC and CC, disease relapse after a short-duration treatment is common. Despite their common clinical presentations and well-defined histologic diagnostic criteria, there are only few studies on the immunologic abnormalities in colonic tissue. The aim of this review is to (1) familiarize the pathologists in general practice with histomorphology of LC and CC, including the rare histologic variants and the clinical implication associated with these 2 diagnoses, (2) summarize the data from recent randomized clinical trials of oral budesonide, and (3) review immunological studies on colonic tissue. Overall, immunologic abnormalities of colonic tissue seem to explain for the histomorphologic features and the clinical symptomatology of LC and CC. Advances in the understanding of the underlying immunologic abnormalities in the colonic tissue may help develop novel and effective therapies for these 2 diseases.
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Cytokine gene polymorphism in microscopic colitis association with the IL-6-174 GG genotype. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 23:607-13. [PMID: 21527852 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e328346f5be] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with unknown pathogenesis. Very little is known about polymorphisms in the cytokine genes in MC. We have investigated the occurrence of well-characterized polymorphisms of interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-10) and CD14 in MC. We also determined the serum IL-6 levels. METHODS We genotyped 81 patients with MC and 178 controls for polymorphisms of IL-6-174, IL-1β-511, IL-1β-3953, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-10-1082 and CD14-159. Serum concentration of IL-6 was measured in 72 patients. RESULTS Genotype GG of IL-6-174 was more prevalent in MC compared with the controls (P=0.030; odds ratio: 1.941; confidence interval: 1.078-3.495), and the frequency of allele G of IL-6-174 was higher in MC (0.55 vs. 0.47; P=0.036; odds ratio: 1.514; confidence interval: 1.041-2.203). However, after correction for multiple comparisons, the difference became nonsignificant. IL-6 genotype and the serum IL-6 concentration showed no association. The concentration of IL-6 was higher in patients with collagenous colitis than in those with lymphocytic colitis (median 1.73 vs. 1.34 pg/ml, P=0.011). No association between polymorphisms of other cytokine genes and MC was seen. CONCLUSION The IL-6-174 gene polymorphism has a possible association with MC, as the IL-6 GG genotype was more frequent in patients with the disease. As this genotype may be linked with an enhanced IL-6 production, we speculate that this polymorphism can influence the pathogenesis of MC by evoking a proinflammatory bias in the mucosal cytokines. The enhanced concentration of IL-6 in collagenous colitis compared with lymphocytic colitis supports a difference in the pathogenetic mechanisms between the two subgroups of MC.
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Abstract
Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, especially among older persons. Diagnosis requires histologic analysis of colon biopsy samples in the appropriate clinical setting. Recent studies have shown an increase in the incidence of microscopic colitis, and several have addressed potential mechanisms. We review recent findings about the clinical features, diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell S Pardi
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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29
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Günther U, Bateman AC, Beattie RM, Bauer M, MacDonald TT, Kaskas BA. Connective tissue growth factor expression is increased in collagenous colitis and coeliac disease. Histopathology 2010; 57:427-35. [PMID: 20840672 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2010.03652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Subepithelial collagen deposition is a classical feature of collagenous colitis (CC), but is also seen in untreated coeliac disease. The end-stage mediator of excess cellular collagen production is connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The aim of this study was to investigate CTGF expression by in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in CC and coeliac disease as well as lymphocytic colitis (LC), Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS AND RESULTS For coeliac disease we analysed fresh frozen material by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and archival material for ISH. PCR transcripts in coeliac disease were moderately elevated and labelled cells were significantly increased in the subepithelial zone. For CC, LC and UC we investigated archival material because of the rarity of the first two conditions. There was a marked increase in CTGF expression in the subepithelial zone in CC, localizing to cells with the morphology of smooth muscle cells, which was not seen in LC. CONCLUSIONS The colocalization of CTGF transcripts with areas of excessive collagen deposition in coeliac disease and CC suggest that it might be the end-stage mediator of local fibrosis in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Günther
- Medical Clinic I Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology, Charité-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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Jöhrens K, Grünbaum M, Anagnostopoulos I. Differences in the T-bet and GATA-3 expression patterns between lymphocytic colitis and coeliac disease. Virchows Arch 2010; 457:451-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-010-0961-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Shen B, Khan K, Ikenberry SO, Anderson MA, Banerjee S, Baron T, Ben-Menachem T, Cash BD, Fanelli RD, Fisher L, Fukami N, Gan SI, Harrison ME, Jagannath S, Lee Krinsky M, Levy M, Maple JT, Lichtenstein D, Stewart L, Strohmeyer L, Dominitz JA. The role of endoscopy in the management of patients with diarrhea. Gastrointest Endosc 2010; 71:887-92. [PMID: 20346452 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2009.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Green PHR, Yang J, Cheng J, Lee AR, Harper JW, Bhagat G. An association between microscopic colitis and celiac disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 7:1210-6. [PMID: 19631283 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Microscopic colitis has been associated with celiac disease. We aimed to determine the extent and significance of this relationship. METHODS A prospectively maintained database of celiac disease patients, seen between 1981 and 2006, was analyzed. Standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) were calculated using a general population study of microscopic colitis as the reference group. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student t test, Pearson chi(2) test, or Fisher exact test. RESULTS Microscopic colitis was found in 44 of 1009 patients (4.3%); this represented a 70-fold increased risk for individuals with celiac disease to have microscopic colitis, compared with the general population (SMR, 72.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 52.52-95.36). The celiac disease patients with microscopic colitis were older (P = .0001) and had more severe villous atrophy (P = .002) than the celiac disease patients without microscopic colitis. Microscopic colitis was diagnosed after celiac disease in 64% of the patients, simultaneously in 25%, and before celiac disease in 11% (P = .0001). Pancolitis predominated, though 16% had colitis limited to the right colon. Steroid or immunosuppressant therapies were required in 66% of the celiac disease patients with microscopic colitis and given as maintenance therapy to 50% of these patients. Follow-up biopsies revealed that the colitis persisted in 57% of the patients with celiac disease and microscopic colitis, despite improved diarrhea symptoms; the diarrhea resolved in most of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Microscopic colitis is more common in patients with celiac disease than in the general population. Patients with celiac disease and microscopic colitis have more severe villous atrophy and frequently require steroids or immunosuppressant therapies to control diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H R Green
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
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Lymphocytic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: a review for the practicing pathologist. Adv Anat Pathol 2009; 16:290-306. [PMID: 19700939 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0b013e3181b5073a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) can be found in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon in a variety of clinical circumstances. This review, directed at practicing pathologists, portrays the normal resident lymphocyte population in the mucosa of each segment of the digestive tract and discusses the different situations that may result in quantitative or qualitative alterations of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Esophageal lymphocytosis has not been fully characterized and its clinical significance, if any, awaits definition. Thus, this diagnosis is presently discouraged. In the stomach, it is particularly important to exclude Helicobacter pylori infection and celiac sprue before diagnosing lymphocytic gastritis. Duodenal lymphocytic infiltrates, inextricably tied with alterations of the villous architecture of the mucosa, are often caused by gluten sensitivity. However, similar morphologic changes may be caused by a vast array of other conditions that must be carefully considered and excluded. Lymphocytic and collagenous colitis are most often unexplained, but their frequent association with autoimmune conditions or certain medications deserve a thorough investigation in each case. Using a combination of histologic and clinical clues, a cause for the intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltration can be identified in many instances. As some of the associated conditions are amenable to effective treatment, the importance of diligently seeking such associations before resorting to a diagnosis of primary lymphocytosis is emphasized.
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Latent lymphocytic enterocolitis associated with celiac disease manifesting after resection for colon cancer: case report and review of the literature. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2008; 22:771-3. [PMID: 18818792 DOI: 10.1155/2008/874765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocytic colitis, a cause of chronic watery diarrhea, is histologically characterized by increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Studies have associated this disorder with celiac disease, although there are no reports of patients with both lymphocytic colitis and colon cancer. The present case report describes a patient with lymphocytic colitis, which manifested five years after he presented with a cecal adenocarcinoma, and three years following a diagnosis of celiac disease. Pathological review of his initial resection specimen demonstrated lymphocytic enterocolitis, indicating a five-year latency in the presentation of this disease.
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Erdem L, Yildirim S, Akbayir N, Yilmaz B, Yenice N, Gültekin OS, Peker &O. Prevalence of microscopic colitis in patients with diarrhea of unknown etiology in Turkey. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:4319-23. [PMID: 18666319 PMCID: PMC2731182 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.4319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the prevalence and demography of microscopic colitis in patients with diarrhea of unknown etiology and normal colonoscopy in Turkey.
METHODS: Between March, 1998 to July, 2005, 129 patients with chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology who had undergone full colonoscopy with no obvious abnormalities were included in the study. Two biopsies were obtained from all colonic segments and terminal ileum for diagnosis of microscopic colitis. On histopathologic examination, criteria for lymphocytic colitis (intraepithelial lymphocyte ≥ 20 per 100 intercryptal epithelial cells, change in surface epithelium, mononuclear infiltration of the lamina propria) and collagenous colitis (subepithelial collagen band thickness ≥ 10 &mgr;m) were explored.
RESULTS: Lymphocytic colitis was diagnosed in 12 (9%) patients (Female/Male: 7/5, mean age: 45 year, range: 27-63) and collagenous colitis was diagnosed in only 3 (2.5%) patients (all female, mean age: 60 years, range: 54-65).
CONCLUSION: Biopsy of Turkish patients with the diagnosis of chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology and normal colonoscopic findings will reveal microscopic colitis in approximately 10% of the patients. Lymphocytic colitis is 4 times more frequent than collagenous colitis in these patients.
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Thorsen AJ. Noninfectious colitides: collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, diversion colitis, and chemically induced colitis. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2007; 20:47-57. [PMID: 20011361 PMCID: PMC2780148 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-970200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of patients with chronic diarrhea carry a diagnosis of microscopic colitis. The endoscopic appearance of both collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis may be normal; however, biopsies confirm the diagnosis. Available treatments include antidiarrheals, bismuth salicylate, and budesonide. Although most patients with fecal diversion may have endoscopic evidence of colitis, a much smaller percentage of patients are symptomatic. Some cases of diversion colitis respond to treatment with short-chain fatty acid enemas; however, return of the fecal stream is the most successful therapy. A variety of oral, intravenous, and per rectum chemicals may cause colitis; symptoms usually abate when chemical exposure is discontinued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Thorsen
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104, USA.
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Iwai H, Hisamatsu T, Iizuka H, Oyama T, Higuchi H, Imaeda H, Ogata H, Nagata H, Mikami S, Mukai M, Hibi T. Microscopic colitis with granuloma which responded to steroid therapy. Intern Med 2007; 46:1551-5. [PMID: 17878641 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a patient with chronic watery diarrhea and weight loss, in whom colonoscopic findings were consistent with microscopic colitis, but histopathological examination revealed granulomatous inflammation. A 67-year-old Japanese female with a several year history of chronic watery diarrhea and body weight loss was admitted to our hospital. Her laboratory data showed hypoalbuminemia and high levels of serum immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein. Colonoscopic findings were grossly normal. Histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltrates with non-necrotizing granulomas and multinucleated giant cells, indicating that this was not conventional microscopic colitis, lymphocytic colitis or collagenous colitis. After treatment with prednisolone her symptoms and laboratory data improved dramatically, and she went into remission without the necessity of further steroid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Iwai
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo
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Abstract
Collagenous and lymphocytic colitis have been recognized as chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders causing watery diarrhea, which have been recognized in the past three to two decades, respectively. Collagenous colitis is primarily a disorder of middle-aged women and is characterized on biopsy by increased subepithelial collagen as well as increased inflammatory cells in the lamina propria and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes. Key to the correct diagnosis in this condition is recognizing that there are two words in this diagnostic entity, and colitis is, by definition, present. Focusing solely on the collagen band can result in both over- and underdiagnosis. Newer therapeutic options are available in this condition, and patients are now frequently being treated either with budesonide or with high dose bismuth preparations. Whereas collagenous colitis is a tightly coherent clinical pathologic entity, lymphocytic colitis has a more varied clinical picture. Lymphocytic colitis is also seen in middle-aged patients but has a more equal female-to-male ratio. Lymphocytic colitis is defined by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, with the median being 30 lymphocytes per 100 epithelial cells. There are also an increase in inflammatory cells in the lamina propria, but the increase may be milder than in collagenous colitis and there are usually minimal eosinophils. Although numerous studies have described lymphocytic colitis causing a chronic diarrhea, more recent studies suggest that patients may have a single attack in approximately 60% of cases. Although most cases of lymphocytic colitis are idiopathic, there is a clear association with multiple drugs, celiac disease, and there may be an infectious trigger. Approximately 10% of lymphocytic colitis patients have a positive family history of some type of inflammatory intestinal disease, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, collagenous colitis, and celiac disease. Therapy in lymphocytic colitis is less well studied, but the same medications are used with success, including budesonide and high dose bismuth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey J Lazenby
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham 35429, USA.
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40
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder which has been associated with a number of other auto-immune conditions. However, there are no reports in the medical literature of an association with microscopic (lymphocytic) colitis. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with several autoimmune conditions, including lymphocytic colitis, who presented with an acute hepatitis. On the basis of the clinical features, serology, and histopathology, we diagnosed autoimmune hepatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of autoimmune hepatitis in association with lymphocytic colitis, and lends support to the theory of an autoimmune etiology for lymphocytic colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond M Cronin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
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41
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Laing AW, Pardi DS, Loftus EV, Smyrk TC, Kammer PP, Tremaine WJ, Schleck CD, Harmsen WS, Zinsmeister AR, Melton LJ, Sandborn WJ. Microscopic colitis is not associated with cholecystectomy or appendectomy. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2006; 12:708-11. [PMID: 16917225 DOI: 10.1097/00054725-200608000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea of unknown origin. Some patients develop diarrhea after cholecystectomy, and some patients with microscopic colitis have evidence of bile acid malabsorption. However, the association between cholecystectomy and microscopic colitis has not been studied. A protective effect of appendectomy on the development of ulcerative colitis also has been reported, but its relationship with microscopic colitis has not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess cholecystectomy and appendectomy as potential risk factors for the development of microscopic colitis in a nested case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we identified all Olmsted County (Minnesota) residents with an initial diagnosis of microscopic colitis between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2001. Rates of antecedent cholecystectomy or appendectomy in patients with microscopic colitis were compared with age-, gender-, and calendar year-matched community controls through conditional logistic regression. RESULTS Microscopic colitis was identified in 130 cases. Cholecystectomy preceded the diagnosis of microscopic colitis in 12 cases (9%) compared with 17 (13%) in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.7; 95% CI 0.3-1.5). Appendectomy preceded the diagnosis of microscopic colitis in 39 subjects (30%) compared with 28 (22%) in the control group (OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.9-2.7). Similar results were obtained when the analysis was restricted to microscopic colitis subtype (lymphocytic colitis or collagenous colitis). CONCLUSIONS In this population-based nested case-control study, no significant association was seen between cholecystectomy or appendectomy and the development of microscopic colitis or its subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aran W Laing
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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42
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Abstract
AIM To find out the role of bacteria as a possible etiological factor in lymphocytic colitis. METHODS Twenty patients with histopathological diagnosis of lymphocytic colitis and 10 normal controls were included in this study. Colonoscopic biopsies were obtained from three sites (hepatic and splenic flexures and rectosigmoid region). Each biopsy was divided into two parts. A fresh part was incubated on special cultures for bacterial growth. The other part was used for the preparation of histologic tissue sections that were examined for the presence of bacteria with the help of Giemsa stain. RESULTS Culture of tissue biopsies revealed bacterial growth in 18 out of 20 patients with lymphocytic colitis mostly Escherichia coli (14/18), which was found in all rectosigmoid specimens (14/14), but only in 8/14 and 6/14 of splenic and hepatic flexure specimens respectively. In two of these cases, E coli was associated with proteus. Proteus was found only in one case, Klebsiella in two cases, and Staphylococcus aureus in one case. In the control group, only 2 out of 10 controls showed the growth of E coli in their biopsy cultures. Histopathology showed rod-shaped bacilli in the tissue sections of 12 out of 14 cases with positive E coli in their specimen's culture. None of the controls showed these bacteria in histopathological sections. CONCLUSION This preliminary study reports an association between E coli and lymphocytic colitis, based on histological and culture observations. Serotyping and molecular studies are in process to assess the role of E coli in the pathogenesis of lymphocytic colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaa Ea Helal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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43
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Abstract
This review summarizes some of the common diagnostic problems encountered by pathologists when evaluating patients with chronic colitis and in whom inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is either suspected or within the differential diagnosis. Both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) show characteristic, but non-specific, pathological features that may overlap and result in a diagnosis of 'indeterminate colitis' (IC). However, other reasons why pathologists may entertain a diagnosis of IC include failure to recognize or accept certain 'hardcore' histological features as indicative of CD, an attempt to classify cases of chronic colitis based on mucosal biopsy material or in the absence of adequate clinical and radiographic information, and the presence of other disease processes that mask, or mimic, IBD. In addition, some cases of UC may show unusual CD-like features, such as discontinuous or patchy disease, ileal inflammation, extracolonic inflammation, granulomatous inflammation in response to ruptured crypts, aphthous ulcers, or transmural inflammation. Furthermore, other forms of colitis, such as microscopic colitis, diverticulitis and diversion colitis may, on occasion, also show IBD-like changes. The clinical and pathological features that aid in the distinction between these entities, and others, are covered in detail in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Yantiss
- Department of Pathology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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44
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Fernández-Bañares F, Esteve M, Farré C, Salas A, Alsina M, Casalots J, Espinós J, Forné M, Viver JM. Predisposing HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes of coeliac disease and associated enteropathy in microscopic colitis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005; 17:1333-8. [PMID: 16292086 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-200512000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the presence of both genetic and serological markers of coeliac disease in patients with microscopic colitis, and whether there was associated enteropathy. METHODS HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8, serum immunoglobulin A-antiendomysial and immunoglobulin A-anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies were investigated in 59 patients with microscopic colitis. Seventy healthy subjects acted as the control group. Endoscopic biopsies from the distal duodenum were obtained in DQ2-positive or DQ8-positive patients. Patients with histological changes compatible with gluten-sensitive enteropathy were started on a gluten-free diet. RESULTS Seventeen of 70 (24.3%) healthy controls were DQ2-positive. Twelve of 25 (48%) patients with lymphocytic colitis (P = 0.027 versus controls), and 11 of 34 (32.3%) with collagenous colitis (P = 0.38 versus controls) were DQ2-positive. There were no differences in the frequency of DQ8-positivity. The coeliac serology was positive in one patient. Duodenal biopsies were performed in 23 DQ2-positive and/or DQ8-positive patients. None had villous atrophy (Marsh III lesion) (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0-6.1). A Marsh type I lesion was found in four patients. Three of these patients were put on a gluten-free diet with disappearance of diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that there is an association of lymphocytic colitis with HLA-DQ2 genes, which might be relevant in the pathogenesis of this disease. The association of microscopic colitis with Marsh type III coeliac disease seems to be rare, making it unnecessary to routinely screen for coeliac disease in microscopic colitis patients.
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45
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Chang F, Deere H, Vu C. Atypical forms of microscopic colitis: morphological features and review of the literature. Adv Anat Pathol 2005; 12:203-11. [PMID: 16096382 DOI: 10.1097/01.pap.0000175115.63165.6b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microscopic colitis is defined as a syndrome of chronic watery diarrhea with a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate in the colonic mucosa but without significant abnormalities at colonoscopy. It encompasses at least two histopathologic entities (ie, collagenous and lymphocytic colitis). The recognition and characterization of microscopic colitis has markedly changed the approach to the evaluation and management of chronic diarrhea. The histologic features of collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are well known to most pathologists. By considering the clinical history and symptoms, the pathologist should be able to reach the correct diagnosis in most cases. However, the spectrum of morphologic changes associated with watery diarrhea syndrome appears to be broader than originally thought. Morphologic changes more often associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease or even chronic ischemic or infectious colitis have been noted in patients with clinically established microscopic colitis. The data presented in this article suggest that microscopic colitis is a heterogeneous entity, which includes both classic and "atypical" forms. Problems arise when cases do not fit the usual pattern or lack some of the findings that are expected. Pathologists should be aware of the presence of atypical forms of microscopic colitis.
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MESH Headings
- Algorithms
- Animals
- Celiac Disease/complications
- Colitis, Collagenous/metabolism
- Colitis, Collagenous/pathology
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/immunology
- Colitis, Lymphocytic/pathology
- Colitis, Microscopic/classification
- Colitis, Microscopic/complications
- Colitis, Microscopic/etiology
- Colitis, Microscopic/pathology
- Collagen/metabolism
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous/pathology
- Epithelial Cells/pathology
- Giant Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications
- Intestinal Mucosa/immunology
- Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Lymphocytes/pathology
- Phlebitis/complications
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuju Chang
- Department of Histopathology, St. Thomas' Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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46
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Harewood GC, Olson JS, Mattek NC, Holub JL, Lieberman DA. Colonic biopsy practice for evaluation of diarrhea in patients with normal endoscopic findings: results from a national endoscopic database. Gastrointest Endosc 2005; 61:371-5. [PMID: 15758905 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5107(04)02594-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The colonic biopsy is the only reliable method for identification of microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhea and normal endoscopic findings. METHODS The Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative national endoscopic database was analyzed to determine the rate at which colonic biopsy specimens were obtained in patients undergoing colonoscopy for the evaluation of diarrhea with no visible mucosal abnormality. RESULTS Between January 2000 and December 2003, 5565 unique adult patients underwent colonoscopy for evaluation of diarrhea without detection of any mucosal abnormality. Colonic mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained in 4410 (79.2%) of these patients. The rates at which biopsy specimens were obtained differed among the sites where colonoscopy was performed; biopsy specimens were obtained from more patients undergoing colonoscopy in university-affiliated settings (86.8%) compared with Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) (78.5%) or community sites (78.6%) ( p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, biopsy specimens were more likely to be obtained in younger patients (OR 0.7: 95%CI[0.6, 0.8] for age >50 years vs. <50 years), women patients (OR 1.4: 95% CI[1.2, 1.6] in community setting; OR 4.1: 95% CI[1.6, 10.5] in VAMC setting), and patients seen in university-affiliated medical centers (university center OR 2.1: 95% CI[1.5, 3.0] vs. community setting). CONCLUSIONS Biopsy specimens are obtained in four fifths of patients with diarrhea and normal colonoscopy findings to exclude microscopic colitis. Variation in biopsy practice exists among endoscopy site types and by gender. Clear guidelines are needed for the endoscopic approach to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin C Harewood
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charlton 8, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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47
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Abstract
Microscopic colitis is an increasingly common cause of chronic diarrhea, and often causes abdominal pain and weight loss. The colonic mucosa appears normal or nearly normal endoscopically, and the diagnosis is made in the appropriate clinical setting when there is intraepithelial lymphocytosis and a mixed lamina propria inflammatory infiltrate. The 2 subtypes, collagenous and lymphocytic colitis, are similar clinically and histologically, and are distinguished by the presence or absence of a thickened subepithelial collagen band. Many potential pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed, but no convincing unifying mechanism has been identified. There are many anecdotal reports on treatment, but few controlled trials have been performed in these patients, although a systematic approach to therapy often leads to the satisfactory control of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell S Pardi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
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48
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Pokorny CS, Selby WS. Microscopic colitis: an underdiagnosed cause of chronic diarrhoea--the clue is in the biopsies. Intern Med J 2003; 33:305-9. [PMID: 12823676 DOI: 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2003.00355.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Microscopic forms of colitis (collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis) are uncommon but important causes of chronic diarrhoea that are often overlooked. The clinical features of these disorders are similar, and they are more common in middle-aged females, although the female predominance is greater in collagenous colitis. Although their cause is unclear, both are associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. Colonoscopy and barium enema are typically normal, so that the diagnosis depends on the demonstration of characteristic changes on histopathological examination of colorectal biopsies. These should be taken in all patients undergoing colonoscopy for the investigation of chronic diarrhoea. There are no large controlled trials of therapy available. Treatment is empirical, generally using the same agents as for inflammatory bowel -disease. Assessment of therapy is also difficult as spontaneous remissions occur often.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Pokorny
- Liverpool Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
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49
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Vera Méndez FJ, Hallal Hachem H, Barón Saura JM, Sánchez Sánchez C, Pérez Guillermo M, Conesa Pallarés J, García Henarejos JA. [Collagenous colitis and small intestinal villous atrophy: manifestations of the same disorder?]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2003; 26:152-5. [PMID: 12586008 DOI: 10.1016/s0210-5705(03)79063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of celiac sprue and no clinical or histological response to gluten withdrawal. The patient presented a history of longstanding recurrent watery diarrhea and was found to have collagenous colitis after further investigation of her diarrhea. Immunological study was incompatible with celiac disease and no other cause of villous atrophy was found. We suggest that this patient may have a separate disease entity unrelated to celiac sprue and consisting of a pan-intestinal inflammatory disorder characterized by the combination of a chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the small and lower bowel together with a subepithelial collagenous band in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Vera Méndez
- Servicios de Medicina Interna. Hospital Santa María del Rosell. Cartagena. Murcia. Spain
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50
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Turner DR, Markose G, Arends MJ, Ng CS, Freeman AH. Unusual causes of colonic wall thickening on computed tomography. Clin Radiol 2003; 58:191-200. [PMID: 12639525 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-9260(02)00468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) appearances in "colitis" are often non-specific, and include mural thickening and mesenteric fat stranding. In the western world, the majority of cases will have, or be subsequently diagnosed with, inflammatory bowel disease, pseudomembranous colitis or ischaemic colitis. However, other rare conditions may also produce these rather non-specific signs. We present a number of cases demonstrating colonic wall thickening on CT due to rarer diagnoses, which are correlated with the histopathological features. Some of these CT appearances have not been described previously in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Turner
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
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