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Lymphocytic and collagenous colitis: epidemiologic differences and similarities
Amnon Sonnenberg1, Robert M Genta
1Department of Gastroenterology, Portland VA Medical Center P3-GI, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA, sonnenbe@ohsu.edu.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|May 28, 2013
Summary
Microscopic colitis (MC) presents as three distinct subtypes: lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis, and incomplete colitis. While sharing similar epidemiologic features, subtle demographic variations may indicate different environmental triggers for each MC subtype.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The nosologic classification of microscopic colitis (MC) subtypes remains unclear.
- Investigating epidemiologic distinctions among MC histopathologic subtypes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if microscopic colitis subtypes represent distinct entities.
- To identify epidemiologic differences among lymphocytic colitis (LC), collagenous colitis (CC), and incomplete colitis (IC).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large-scale computerized database of 789,568 colon pathology reports.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical characteristics of 8,745 MC patients with a control population.
Main Results:
- MC comprises three subtypes: LC (51%), CC (43%), and IC (6%).
- All subtypes exhibit age-dependent prevalence increases and a strong female predominance.
- Similar geographic distribution, association with diarrhea and weight loss, and reduced risk of colonic adenomas were observed across all MC subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Microscopic colitis manifests as three distinct histopathologic entities.
- These subtypes share significant epidemiologic similarities.
- Minor demographic variations suggest potential differing environmental influences on subtype development.
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