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Updated: May 11, 2026

Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for the Detection and Quantification of Macrophage-related Murine Intestinal Inflammation
Published on: December 15, 2017
[Microscopic colitis]
1Interni Klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha. klukas@vfn.cz
Abstract:
Microscopic colitis is characterized by chronic or intermittent watery diarrhoea. Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea in predominantly older adults. The underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of microscopic colitis remains unspecified. Microscopic colitis including colitis collagenous, lymphocytic, microscopic colitis with incomplete findings, minimal change colitis, eosinophilic colitis, Brainerd´s diarrhoea, graft-versus-host disease, mastocytic enterocolitis and postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Careful consideration of the clinical features and colonic mucosal biopsies usually lead to correct diagnosis. Treatments of microscopic colitis were based primarily on case reports and personal experience. Many medications have been proposed that either offer symptomatic relief (loperamide, cholestyramine) or had anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive properties (aminosalicylates, steroids, adalimumab, azathioprine).
Insights
Microscopic colitis causes chronic watery diarrhea, often in older adults. Diagnosis involves clinical review and biopsies, with treatments focusing on symptom relief or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Microscopic colitis is a significant cause of chronic watery diarrhea, particularly in older individuals.
- The exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying microscopic colitis are not fully understood.
- It encompasses various subtypes, including collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for microscopic colitis.
- To highlight the importance of colonic mucosal biopsies in diagnosis.
- To summarize current therapeutic strategies for managing microscopic colitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical features associated with microscopic colitis.
- Emphasis on histopathological examination of colonic mucosal biopsies for diagnosis.
- Analysis of proposed treatment modalities based on case reports and clinical experience.
Main Results:
- Microscopic colitis is characterized by chronic or intermittent watery diarrhea.
- Diagnosis relies on correlating clinical symptoms with findings from colonic biopsies.
- Treatment approaches include symptomatic relief and anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of microscopic colitis requires careful clinical assessment and biopsy review.
- Treatment strategies vary, aiming for symptomatic control or modulation of underlying inflammation.
- Further research into pathogenesis may lead to more targeted therapies.
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