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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
07:05
Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for the Detection and Quantification of Macrophage-related Murine Intestinal Inflammation
Published on: December 15, 2017
Microscopic colitis syndrome: lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis
1Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
Seminars in Gastrointestinal Disease
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Microscopic colitis, a cause of chronic diarrhea, is diagnosed via colonoscopy and biopsy. While its exact cause is unknown, genetic factors like HLA-DQ may play a role, and treatment options are evolving.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Microscopic colitis presents as chronic watery diarrhea with normal-appearing colonic mucosa during endoscopy.
- It encompasses lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis, diagnosed histologically via biopsy.
- This condition has become a frequent diagnosis for chronic diarrhea over the past 25 years.
Observation:
- The etiology and pathogenesis of microscopic colitis are not fully understood.
- Genetic predispositions, specifically certain HLA-DQ genotypes, are implicated.
- These genetic links suggest a potential connection to the pathogenesis of celiac sprue.
Findings:
- Diagnosis is straightforward, relying on endoscopic visualization and pathological analysis of colonic biopsies.
- Traditional inflammatory bowel disease treatments have limitations for microscopic colitis.
- New therapeutic strategies, including bismuth subsalicylate, are under investigation.
Implications:
- Understanding genetic predispositions may offer insights into disease mechanisms.
- Developing targeted therapies is crucial given the limitations of current treatments.
- The prognosis for microscopic colitis is generally good, with most patients experiencing symptomatic improvement.
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