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Updated: May 17, 2026
07:05
Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for the Detection and Quantification of Macrophage-related Murine Intestinal Inflammation
Published on: December 15, 2017
[Histopathology of microscopic colitis]
1Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden. Daniela.Aust@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Der Pathologe
|October 12, 2012
Summary
Microscopic colitis (MC), a common cause of chronic diarrhea, is diagnosed via histology. Two subtypes, lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC), are defined by specific microscopic features.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Context:
- Microscopic colitis (MC) is a frequent cause of chronic non-bloody diarrhea.
- MC incidence has increased significantly in recent years.
- Diagnosis relies exclusively on histological examination of colonic biopsies.
Purpose:
- To define the distinct histological criteria for lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC).
- To describe the characteristic microscopic findings for each MC subtype.
- To introduce the concept of 'MC incomplete' (MCi) for cases not meeting full diagnostic criteria.
Summary:
- Lymphocytic colitis (LC) is characterized by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (>20 IELs/100 epithelial cells).
- Collagenous colitis (CC) features a subepithelial collagen band (>10 µm) and mucosal inflammation.
- Both subtypes show lamina propria inflammation; MCi encompasses cases with partial features.
Impact:
- Clarifies diagnostic criteria for MC subtypes, aiding accurate diagnosis and patient management.
- Highlights the importance of detailed histological analysis in identifying MC.
- Provides a framework for classifying incomplete presentations of microscopic colitis.
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