Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
Abnormal findings on abdominopelvic cross-sectional imaging in patients with microscopic colitis: a retrospective,
Andree H Koop1, Ahmed Salih2, Mohamed Omer2
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Objectives:
Patients with microscopic colitis may have subtle macroscopic findings on colonoscopy such as erythema, edema, or altered vascular pattern; however, radiographic abnormalities on cross-sectional imaging have not been investigated. We aimed at identifying the abdominopelvic radiographic abnormalities in patients with microscopic colitis, as well as possible correlation with endoscopic findings and the need for extended duration of treatment.
Materials And Methods:
This was a retrospective study of patients with biopsy-proven microscopic colitis at two tertiary centers between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2020. Patients underwent computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging within 30 days of a diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Patients with colon ischemia and other causes of colitis were excluded. Radiographic abnormalities from imaging reports included bowel wall thickening, mucosal hyperenhancement and mesenteric fat stranding. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of radiographic abnormalities.
Results:
498 patients with microscopic colitis underwent abdominopelvic cross-sectional imaging within 30 days of flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy. Lymphocytic colitis was diagnosed in 54.6% of patients, and collagenous colitis in 45.4%. Endoscopic and radiographic abnormalities were identified in 16.1% and 12.4% of patients, respectively. Radiographic abnormalities were associated with the need for budesonide therapy (p = .029) and budesonide therapy long-term (p = .0028). Budesonide therapy long-term (p = .047) was associated with radiographic abnormalities in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
Radiographic abnormalities may be present on abdominopelvic cross-sectional imaging in a minority of patients with biopsy-proven microscopic colitis, suggesting cross-sectional imaging has low clinical value in the evaluation and treatment of this disease.
Insights
Radiographic abnormalities on cross-sectional imaging are uncommon in microscopic colitis. These findings may correlate with the need for long-term budesonide therapy, but imaging has limited clinical value for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Microscopic colitis presents with subtle endoscopic findings.
- Radiographic abnormalities in microscopic colitis have not been previously investigated.
- Understanding imaging findings can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify abdominopelvic radiographic abnormalities in microscopic colitis patients.
- To explore correlations between imaging findings, endoscopic results, and treatment duration.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 498 patients with biopsy-proven microscopic colitis.
- Abdominopelvic CT or MRI performed within 30 days of endoscopy.
- Exclusion of patients with colon ischemia or other colitis causes.
Main Results:
- 12.4% of patients showed radiographic abnormalities (bowel wall thickening, mucosal hyperenhancement, mesenteric fat stranding).
- Radiographic abnormalities were associated with the need for budesonide therapy (p = .029) and long-term budesonide use (p = .0028).
- Long-term budesonide therapy remained associated with radiographic abnormalities in multivariate analysis (p = .047).
Conclusions:
- Radiographic abnormalities are present in a minority of microscopic colitis patients.
- Cross-sectional imaging demonstrates low clinical utility in evaluating and managing microscopic colitis.
- Further research may explore specific imaging patterns and their prognostic implications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
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...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
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...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
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...
01:22Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography