[Microscopic colitis: histopathological review with a clinicopathological correlation].
C Platz-Baudin1, T Katzenberger, M Eck
1Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum Aschaffenburg, Am Hasenkopf, 63739, Aschaffenburg, Deutschland. Claudia.Platz-Baudin@Klinikum-Aschaffenburg.de
Der Pathologe
|June 11, 2011
Summary
Microscopic colitis, a cause of watery diarrhea, is diagnosed via histology, not colonoscopy. It includes lymphocytic colitis (increased intraepithelial lymphocytes) and collagenous colitis (thickened collagen layer).
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Histopathology
Context:
- Microscopic colitis presents with watery diarrhea but normal colonoscopy findings.
- Diagnosis relies on specific histopathological features.
- It encompasses lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis.
Purpose:
- To differentiate between lymphocytic and collagenous colitis based on histological criteria.
- To highlight the importance of correlating clinical symptoms with histopathology for accurate diagnosis.
Summary:
- Lymphocytic colitis is defined by >20 intraepithelial lymphocytes per 100 colonocytes.
- Collagenous colitis is characterized by a subepithelial collagen layer >10 µm.
- Stepwise colonic biopsies are recommended due to patchy disease distribution and physiological lymphocyte variation.
Impact:
- Accurate histological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
- Distinguishing between the two forms aids in targeted treatment strategies.
- Understanding diagnostic challenges improves clinical practice for microscopic colitis.
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