scholarly journals Microscopic Colitis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Current Management—An Update 2013

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Alexander Storr

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.

2001 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 341-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Assad Abdo ◽  
Peter Jeffrey Zetler ◽  
Lawrence S Halparin

Collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are two inflammatory conditions of the colon that are often collectively referred to as microscopic colitis. The present report describes what is believed to be the third published case of familial microscopic colitis. A 55-year-old woman who suffered from chronic diarrhea was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis on colonic biopsy. Subsequently, her 36-year-old daughter was diagnosed with collagenous colitis. The familial occurrence of these diseases may support an immunological hypothesis for their etiology. In addition, it supports the assumption that collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are two manifestations of the same disease process rather than two completely separate entities. The familial tendency of this disease may make a case for early colonoscopy and biopsy in relatives of patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis if they present with suggestive symptoms.


2020 ◽  
pp. 205064062095190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Miehlke ◽  
Danila Guagnozzi ◽  
Yamile Zabana ◽  
Gian E Tontini ◽  
Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn ◽  
...  

Introduction Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterised by normal or almost normal endoscopic appearance of the colon, chronic watery, non-bloody diarrhoea and distinct histological abnormalities, which identify three histological subtypes, the collagenous colitis, the lymphocytic colitis and the incomplete microscopic colitis. With ongoing uncertainties and new developments in the clinical management of microscopic colitis, there is a need for evidence-based guidelines to improve the medical care of patients suffering from this disorder. Methods Guidelines were developed by members from the European Microscopic Colitis Group and United European Gastroenterology in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Following a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Statements and recommendations were developed by working groups consisting of gastroenterologists, pathologists and basic scientists, and voted upon using the Delphi method. Results These guidelines provide information on epidemiology and risk factors of microscopic colitis, as well as evidence-based statements and recommendations on diagnostic criteria and treatment options, including oral budesonide, bile acid binders, immunomodulators and biologics. Recommendations on the clinical management of microscopic colitis are provided based on evidence, expert opinion and best clinical practice. Conclusion These guidelines may support clinicians worldwide to improve the clinical management of patients with microscopic colitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 219-220
Author(s):  
K S Singh ◽  
R Yanofsky ◽  
D Haegert ◽  
Z Gao ◽  
T Bessissow

Abstract Background Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by lymphocytic infiltration with (collagenous colitis) or without (lymphocytic colitis) the expansion of collagen fibres, and the normal macroscopic appearance of the mucosa on ileocolonoscopy. Recent studies have shown that the ileum may be involved in MC, occurring concurrently with colonic disease, however there is sparse literature on isolated lymphocytic ileitis without colitis. Aims We describe the case of isolated small bowel lymphocytosis without evidence of lymphocytic colitis to highlight the utility of random biopsies of the terminal ileum in cases where microscopic colitis is a diagnostic consideration. Methods A 70-year-old female known for cutaneous mastocytosis presented with six weeks of abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, intolerance to oral intake and significant weight loss. Computed-tomography showed evidence of possible mesenteric panniculitis. Colonoscopy revealed a normal colon and normal-appearing mucosa of the terminal ileum. Random mucosal biopsies were taken to assess for microscopic colitis, with terminal ileal biopsies revealing significant lymphocytic infiltration consistent with lymphocytic ileitis. Biopsies throughout the colon revealed normal colonic mucosa without evidence of concurrent microscopic colitis. Gastroscopy was macroscopically unremarkable and random biopsies in the stomach and duodenum were negative for Helicobacter pylori and lymphocytosis. Immunostaining of the gastric, duodenal, terminal ileal and colonic biopsy specimens were negative for CD25, CD117 and tryptase, indicating the absence of gastrointestinal mastocytosis. Results The patient was diagnosed with lymphocytic ileitis and given the known response of MC to budesonide, she was treated with eight weeks of budesonide with clinical improvement leading to remission of her symptoms. Conclusions This case illustrates a rare incidence of isolated ileal microscopic ileitis without colitis that responded well to standard MC treatment, thereby underscoring the utility of random biopsies in the terminal ileum and throughout the colon when microscopic colitis is on the differential diagnosis. Funding Agencies None


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem ◽  
Parag A. Brahmbhatt ◽  
Sarah Khan ◽  
Mark Young ◽  
Gene D. LeSage

Microscopic Colitis (MC) is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, grossly normal appearing colonic mucosa during conventional white light endoscopy, and biopsy showing microscopic inflammation. We report a case of collagenous colitis with gross endoscopic findings.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Kumar Kumawat ◽  
Kristina Elgbratt ◽  
Curt Tysk ◽  
Johan Bohr ◽  
Elisabeth Hultgren Hörnquist

Dysregulated T cell responses in the intestine may lead to chronic bowel inflammation such as collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), together known as microscopic colitis (MC). Having demonstrated increased local T cell responses in the intestinal mucosa of MC patients, we investigated the recent thymic emigrants by measuring T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels in the colonic biopsies from CC (n=8), LC (n=5), and CC or LC patients in histopathological remission (CC-HR,n=3) (LC-HR,n=6), non-inflamed diarrhoea patients (n=17), and controls (n=10) by real-time PCR. We observed lower median TREC levels in both CC and LC patients as well as in LC-HR patients compared to controls. In contrast to MC patients, non-inflamed diarrhoea patients presented with enhanced TREC levels compared to controls. None of the recorded differences did, however, reach statistical significance. A trend towards increased relative expression of CD3 was noted in all MC subgroups examined and reached statistical significance in LC patients compared to controls. In conclusion, reduced TRECs level in the colonic mucosa, together with our previously demonstrated enhanced expression of Ki67+T cells, suggests local expansion of resident T lymphocytes in the inflamed mucosa of MC patients.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony O’Connor ◽  
Alan C. Moss

Microscopic colitis (MC) is defined by the presence of specific histologic abnormalities in patients with diarrhea and a normal-appearing colon at endoscopy. MC can be categorized into two types: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). CC is characterized by a thickened subepithelial collagen band in the colonic mucosa of at least 10 mm in thickness, whereas LC describes infiltration of the colonic epithelium with lymphocytes (intraepithelial lymphocytes), without excess collagen in the mucosa. This review of MC addresses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, etiology/genetics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis between the two types. Tables list potential etiologic factors in MC, medications associated with MC, and treatments used for MC and evidence base. This review contains 3 tables and 55 references.


2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 425-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman A Abdo ◽  
Stefan J Urbanski ◽  
Paul L Beck

Microscopic colitis (MC) encompasses the two morphologically distinct entities of collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). MC was first described less than 30 years ago but is presently recognized as a relatively common cause of chronic diarrhea in the adult population. Remarkably, up to 10% of adults who have a colonoscopy for the investigation of chronic diarrhea, and have endoscopically normal appearing mucosa, may have MC. Patients with MC generally present with chronic diarrhea, which can be associated with cramping and bloating. Endoscopic and radiological examinations are usually normal. Histological assessment reveals inflammation consisting predominantly of lymphocytic infiltration, and a thickened subepithelial collagen band is diagnostic of CC. Both LC and CC can be associated with autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, diabetes, arthritis and thyroiditis, yet the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis remain unclear. Emerging studies suggest that a stepwise approach be taken in the medical management of MC. This approach includes antidiarrheal agents and stopping of any offending agents; budesonide or bismuth subsalicylate; and cholestyramine or 5-acetylsalicylic acid agents. In resistant cases, oral corticosteroids and other immune modulatory therapy have been used.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Eggeling ◽  
Anna Meinhardt ◽  
Ulrike Cress ◽  
Joachim Kimmerle ◽  
Martina Bientzle

Objective: This study examined the influence of physicians’ recommendations and gender on the decision-making process in a preference-sensitive situation. Methods: N = 201 participants were put in a hypothetical scenario in which they suffered from a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). They received general information on two equally successful treatment options for this injury (surgery vs. physiotherapy) and answered questions regarding their treatment preference, certainty and satisfaction regarding their decision, and attitude toward the treatment options. Then participants watched a video that differed regarding physician’s recommendation (surgery vs. physiotherapy) and physician’s gender (female vs. male voice and picture). Afterward, they indicated again their treatment preference, certainty, satisfaction, and attitude, as well as the physician’s professional and social competence.Results: Participants changed their treatment preferences in the direction of the physician’s recommendation (P<.001). Decision certainty (P<.001) and satisfaction (P<.001) increased more strongly if the physician’s recommendation was congruent with the participant’s prior attitude than if the recommendation was contrary to the participant’s prior attitude. Finally, participants’ attitudes toward the recommended treatment became more positive (surgery recommendation: P<.001; physiotherapy recommendation: P<.001). We found no influence of the physician’s gender on participants’ decisions, attitudes, or competence assessments.Conclusion: This research indicates that physicians should be careful with recommendations when aiming for shared decisions, as they might influence patients even if the patients have been made aware that they should take their personal preferences into account. This could be particularly problematic if the recommendation is not in line with the patient’s preferences.


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