Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development
Published on: April 29, 2015
Paediatric Congenital Enteropathies: Clinical and Histological Review
Francesca Arienzo1, Isabella Giovannoni1, Antonella Diamanti2
1Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy.
Insights
Paediatric congenital enteropathies (PCEs) are rare inherited diseases requiring prompt diagnosis. An integrated approach combining clinical, histological, and molecular analysis is crucial for accurate identification and effective treatment of these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Paediatric congenital enteropathies (PCEs) are rare inherited disorders presenting early in life.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe, potentially fatal outcomes.
- Limited awareness contributes to misdiagnosis, highlighting the need for specialized knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a framework for identifying PCEs.
- To emphasize an integrated diagnostic approach.
- To cover conditions affecting epithelial function, enteroendocrine system, and early-onset inflammatory bowel disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and histopathological characteristics.
- Analysis of genetic testing advancements.
- Correlation of clinical parameters (e.g., consanguinity, onset, stool appearance, extra-intestinal signs) with diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Histopathology and clinical parameters are key for classification.
- Genetic testing aids in identifying genes linked to specific PCE phenotypes.
- An integrated approach improves diagnostic accuracy and care pathways.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of PCEs necessitates combining clinical, histological, and molecular data.
- Specialized training and facilities are essential for managing these rare conditions.
- An integrated strategy is vital for definitive diagnosis and guiding treatment.
Abstract:
Paediatric congenital enteropathies (PCEs) are a group of rare inherited diseases with a typical early onset in life. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to avoid potentially fatal consequences. This review aims to provide a paradigmatic framework for clinical and histological identification of PCEs, with an emphasis on congenital conditions involving epithelial shape, trafficking and polarity, enteroendocrine function, immunomodulatory diseases, and extremely early onset inflammatory bowel illness. A proper classification is founded on histopathological characteristics and clinical parameters (such as consanguinity, anomalies in amniotic fluid, prenatal expression or early neonatal onset, stool appearance, persistence of symptoms despite fasting, and extra-intestinal manifestations, etc.). The increasing accessibility and convenience of genetic tests has also accelerated the identification of genes related to specific phenotypes of PCEs, improving the diagnostic and care pathway. As a "niche" pathology, PCEs are susceptible to misdiagnosis due to a limited awareness of these entities, and their identification requires extensive training and specialized facilities. The aim of our review is to emphasize the importance of an integrated approach, combining clinical, histological, and molecular analysis, to achieve a definitive diagnosis and guide the treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Giardiasis
Amebiasis

