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Microscopic colitis. Identical clinical presentations of subtypes create diagnostic challenges
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lahey Clinic, 41 Mall Rd, Burlington, MA 01805, USA.
Postgraduate Medicine
|December 5, 2002
Summary
Microscopic colitis, a cause of chronic watery diarrhea, is diagnosed via colonoscopic biopsies. Effective medical treatments are available, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Microscopic colitis presents as chronic watery diarrhea, often in middle-aged to elderly women.
- The condition is characterized by normal-appearing mucosa during endoscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic criteria for microscopic colitis.
- To inform about available treatment options.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis relies on colonoscopic biopsies.
- Histologic examination reveals characteristic changes.
Main Results:
- Biopsies are crucial for diagnosis when endoscopy is normal.
- Microscopic colitis is a recognized cause of persistent diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- Microscopic colitis should be considered in relevant patient populations.
- Effective treatments exist for this condition.
- Etiology requires further investigation.