Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 16, 2013
Microscopic colitis in Northern Ireland: an updated clinicopathological audit and assessment of compliance with
Michelle Moore1, Helen G Coleman2, Patrick B Allen3
1Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK.
Aim:
We previously reported the first population-based study of the epidemiology of microscopic colitis in Northern Ireland. The aim of the current study is to provide updated data on incidence, diagnostic methods and clinicopathological associations, following dissemination of the previous report. A further aim was to compare the findings against relevant recommendations from the 2020 European guidelines.
Method:
Study cases were identified via the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust pathology laboratory system for new cases of collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis diagnosed from 2017 to 2020 inclusive. Demographic and clinical information was collated from electronic healthcare records.
Results:
Two hundred and seventeen new diagnoses of microscopic colitis were made between 2017 and 2020, comprising 89 (41%) collagenous colitis and 128 (59%) lymphocytic colitis. The overall incidence of microscopic colitis, expressed per 100,000 adult population, ranged from 7.6 to 11.5 (5.9 to 9.0 per 100,000 total population). The 2019 peak of 11.5 cases per 100,000 adult population represents a 71.6% increase in incidence compared with the mean incidence of 6.7 per 100,000 adult population from previous data for 2008-2016. There has also been a significant increase in number of cases diagnosed on separate sampling from the right and left colon (85% in 2019-2020 compared with 30% in 2008-2016; p < 0.001). Overall compliance with coeliac serology testing has improved, with 89% tested in 2017-2018 compared with 75% in 2008-2016.
Conclusion:
Clinicopathological communication has contributed to an increased incidence of microscopic colitis in Northern Ireland through better endoscopic diagnostic sampling and pathology coding practices. Coeliac serology testing has also improved, although continued clinical awareness is required of the need for coeliac serology testing in all patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis.
Insights
Microscopic colitis incidence in Northern Ireland increased significantly from 2017-2020, driven by improved diagnostic methods. Coeliac serology testing compliance also rose, though continued awareness is needed.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Microscopic colitis, encompassing collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, presents diagnostic challenges.
- Previous studies established baseline epidemiology in Northern Ireland.
- Updated data is crucial for understanding current trends and guideline adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updated incidence data for microscopic colitis in Northern Ireland (2017-2020).
- To analyze changes in diagnostic methods and clinicopathological associations.
- To compare findings with 2020 European guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Case identification through the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust pathology laboratory system.
- Collating demographic and clinical data from electronic healthcare records.
- Analysis of new diagnoses of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.
Main Results:
- 217 new diagnoses (41% collagenous colitis, 59% lymphocytic colitis) from 2017-2020.
- Incidence increased to 11.5 per 100,000 adults in 2019, a 71.6% rise from 2008-2016.
- Increased diagnosis via separate right/left colon sampling (85% vs. 30%) and improved coeliac serology testing (89% vs. 75%).
Conclusions:
- Improved endoscopic sampling and pathology coding practices have increased microscopic colitis detection.
- Enhanced clinicopathological communication contributes to higher reported incidence.
- While coeliac serology testing has improved, sustained clinical vigilance is necessary for all microscopic colitis patients.
More Related Videos
07:38Multimodal Quantitative Phase Imaging with Digital Holographic Microscopy Accurately Assesses Intestinal Inflammation and Epithelial Wound Healing
Published on: September 13, 2016
08:53Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
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...
01:30Irritable 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:
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
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...