[Microscopic Colitis]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Microscopic colitis (MC) is an underdiagnosed cause of chronic, non-bloody watery diarrhea.
• It predominantly affects elderly females and is increasingly diagnosed.
• The etiology and pathophysiology are not fully understood, but associations with autoimmune diseases and potential genetic predispositions exist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To raise awareness for microscopic colitis.
• To highlight the importance of diagnosis and therapy for this condition.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis relies on histological examination of colonic biopsies.
• Key subtypes include lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC).

Main Results:

• Microscopic colitis leads to chronic, recurrent symptoms.
• Despite a generally benign long-term course, symptoms significantly impair health-related quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis and timely management of microscopic colitis are essential.
• Increased awareness is needed to address this condition and its impact on patients.