Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
27.6K
Brown Bowel Syndrome: A Multi-institutional Case Series
Christina A Arnold1, Allen P Burke2, Edward Calomeni3
1Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|January 28, 2020
Summary
Brown bowel syndrome (BBS) is a rare condition characterized by vitamin E deficiency and lipofuscin deposition. Diagnosis involves identifying lipofuscin pigment in smooth muscle cells, crucial for distinguishing it from malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Brown bowel syndrome (BBS) is a rare condition.
- It is characterized by lipofuscin deposition in the muscularis propria.
- BBS is associated with vitamin E deficiency and malnutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of Brown Bowel Syndrome.
- To highlight the diagnostic criteria and clinical significance of BBS.
- To differentiate BBS from other gastrointestinal conditions, including malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of eight unique cases of BBS.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, comorbidities, imaging studies, and surgical/autopsy specimens.
- Histopathologic examination including special stains and electron microscopy to identify lipofuscin pigment.
Main Results:
- Eight patients (5 men, 3 women; mean age 58.6 years) with BBS were identified.
- Common comorbidities included bariatric surgery, malnutrition, Crohn's disease, and prior bowel resections.
- Histology revealed characteristic brown, granular cytoplasmic pigment (lipofuscin) in smooth muscle cells, predominantly in the small bowel muscularis propria.
Conclusions:
- Brown bowel syndrome is a distinct entity linked to vitamin E deficiency.
- Histopathologic identification of lipofuscin in the muscularis propria is key for diagnosis.
- Recognizing BBS is important due to its association with malnutrition and potential to mimic malignancy.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
700
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
700
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
672
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
672
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
790
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
790
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
856
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
856
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
384
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
384
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
565
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
565