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Familial occurrence of lymphocytic colitis

H J Freeman1

  • 1Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology) University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology = Journal Canadien De Gastroenterologie
|December 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Familial lymphocytic colitis occurred in a mother and her two daughters. The children were diagnosed younger and had more severe disease, suggesting genetic anticipation or a shared environmental factor.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Lymphocytic colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Familial clustering of inflammatory bowel diseases is recognized.

Observation:

  • A case of familial lymphocytic colitis in a female parent and her two female children is described.
  • No other genetic disorders, including celiac disease, were identified.
  • The children were diagnosed over 20 years earlier than the parent and exhibited greater disease severity.

Findings:

  • The pattern of earlier age of onset and increased severity in successive generations suggests genetic anticipation.
  • Alternatively, a shared environmental exposure within the family cohort may contribute to disease development.
  • This familial occurrence provides insights into the potential genetic and environmental factors in lymphocytic colitis.

Implications:

  • Understanding familial patterns can aid in early diagnosis and management of lymphocytic colitis.
  • Further research into genetic anticipation and environmental triggers is warranted for inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering family history in the evaluation of lymphocytic colitis.

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