Alerta de atraso no diagnóstico de colite microscópica em idosos. Uma série de casos / Warning to delay in diagnosing microscopic colitis in older adults. a series of cases

ABSTRACT Background: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing non-bloody diarrhea, and several cases are undiagnosed as a hidden cause of chronic diarrhea. Objective: We aimed to report the symptoms, delay diagnosis and the treatment of MC in a case series. Methods: All patients were treated at a Gastroenterology reference office from May 2022 to June 2023. Personal history including preexisting disorders, use of medications and smoking habits were collected. The delay between the onset of symptoms and the correct diagnosis was informed. All patients consented to use budesonide MMX (Corament®) off label. Results: During the study period, six Caucasoid patients were diagnosed with MC, five females and one male, between the ages of 65 and 74. All patients had comorbities and were taking multiple prescription drugs. Laboratory findings showed negative serology for celiac disease for all patients, normal levels of albumin and vitamin B12. The delay between the symptoms and the MC diagnosis varied from 2 months to 6 years. All patients had a previous diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. All patients were in complete clinical remission during the treatment and referred no side effects of the drug. Conclusion: Older females using high-risk medications are suggestive of MC. Preventing delay in the diagnosis of MC is crucial to improvement in patients´ quality of life. Budesonide MMX appears to be effective, safe and well-tolerated.

RESUMO Contexto: A colite microscópica (CM) é uma doença inflamatória intestinal crônica que causa diarreia não sanguinolenta, e vários casos não são diagnosticados como uma causa oculta de diarreia crônica. Objetivo: Esse estudo visou relatar os sintomas, qual o atraso diagnóstico e o tratamento da CM em uma série de casos. Métodos: Todos os pacientes foram atendidos em um consultório de referência em Gastroenterologia no período de maio de 2022 a junho de 2023. Foram coletados antecedentes pessoais, incluindo distúrbios preexistentes, uso de medicamentos e tabagismo. Foi buscado o período entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico correto. Todos os pacientes consentiram em usar budesonida MMX (Corament®) off label. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, seis pacientes caucasóides foram diagnosticados com CM, cinco mulheres e um homem, com idades entre 65 e 74 anos. Todos os pacientes apresentavam comorbidades e faziam uso de vários medicamentos prescritos. Os achados laboratoriais mostraram sorologia negativa para doença celíaca em todos os pacientes, níveis normais de albumina e vitamina B12. O atraso entre os sintomas e o diagnóstico de CM variou de 2 meses a 6 anos. Todos os pacientes tinham diagnóstico prévio de síndrome do intestino irritável. Todos os pacientes apresentaram remissão clínica completa durante o tratamento e não referiram efeitos colaterais da droga. Conclusão: As mulheres mais velhas que usam medicamentos de alto risco são sugestivas de CM. Evitar o atraso no diagnóstico de CM é fundamental para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. A budesonida MMX foi eficaz, segura e bem tolerada.

Colite microscópica: considerações para gastroenterologistas, endoscopistas e patologistas / Microscopic colitis: considerations for gastroenterologists, endoscopists, and pathologists

ABSTRACT Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by non-bloody diarrhea that can range from mild to severe. It is difficult to attribute up to 10-20% of chronic diarrhea to microscopic colitis. The three determinants factors of the diagnosis are characteristic clinical symptoms, normal endoscopic picture of the colon, and pathognomonic histological picture. This manuscript aimed to update considerations and recommendations for professionals involved (gastroenterologist, endoscopists and pathologist) in the diagnosis of MC. In addition, a short recommendation about treatment.

RESUMO A colite microscópica é uma doença intestinal inflamatória crônica caracterizada por diarreia não sanguinolenta que pode variar de leve a grave. Atribui-se que cerca de 10-20% das diarreias crônicas são devidas à colite microscópica. Os três fatores determinantes para o diagnóstico são sintomas clínicos característicos, quadro endoscópico normal do cólon e quadro histológico patognomônico. Este manuscrito tem como objetivo atualizar e trazer recomendações para os profissionais envolvidos (gastroenterologista, endoscopista e patologista) no diagnóstico de colite microscópica. Adicionalmente, uma breve recomendação sobre o tratamento.

Factores de riesgo asociados a pacientes con colitis microscópica / Risk factors associated with patients with microscopic colitis / Fatores de risco associados a pacientes com colite microscópica

RESUMEN Introducción: La primera descripción de la colitis microscópica se realizó en el año 1976. Actualmente, agrupa tres subgrupos de patologías, las clásicas colitis linfocítica y colitis colagenosa, el tercer subgrupo corresponde a la colitis microscópica incompleta. Objetivo: Identificar los principales factores asociados al desarrollo de colitis microscópica en el Hospital General Provincial ¨Carlos Manuel de Céspedes¨, de Bayamo, Granma, en el período marzo de 2019 hasta agosto de 2021. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico de casos y controles en pacientes con edad igual o mayor de 18 años con diarreas acuosas crónicas atendidos en el servicio de gastroenterología de dicho hospital, donde se estudiaron las variables: presencia de colitis microscópica, edad, sexo, hábito de fumar, uso de medicamentos, comorbilidades, dolor abdominal, fatiga, incontinencia fecal, pérdida de peso. El tamaño de la muestra para estudios pareados se determinó mediante el programa STATA 17. Para su estimación se consideró lo siguiente: nivel de confianza, poder del estudio, relación de casos y testigos y Odds Ratio mínimo. Resultados: No existió asociación entre la edad mayor de 50 años y la probabilidad de presentar colitis. Predominó el sexo femenino (62,5 %). Del total de pacientes con colitis microscópica (n=16) el 62,5 % fumaba. El OR obtenido indicó que los pacientes fumadores tienen 2,5 veces más riesgo. La diabetes mellitus se asoció significativamente al diagnóstico de colitis microscópica y quintuplicó el riesgo. Conclusiones: Existe una relación entre el sexo femenino, el hábito de fumar, la diabetes mellitus, la colecistectomía, el consumo de tres o más fármacos y la incontinencia fecal con la presencia de colitis microscópica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The first description of microscopic colitis was made in 1976. Currently, it groups three subgroups of pathologies, the classic lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis, the third subgroup corresponds to incomplete microscopic colitis. Objective: To identify the main factors associated with the development of microscopic colitis at the Hospital General Provincial "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes", Bayamo, Granma, from March 2019 to August 2021. Method: An observational, analytical study of cases and controls was carried out in patients aged 18 years or older with chronic watery diarrhea treated at the gastroenterology service. The variables studied were: presence of microscopic colitis, age, sex, smoking habit, use of medications, comorbidities, abdominal pain, fatigue, fecal incontinence and weight loss. The sample size for paired studies was determined using the STATA 17 program. For its estimation, the following were considered: confidence level, statistical power of the test, ratio of cases and controls and minimum Odds Ratio. Results: There was no association between age over 50 years and the probability of presenting colitis. The female sex prevailed (62.5%). Of the total number of patients with microscopic colitis (n=16), 62.5% smoked. The OR obtained indicated that smoker patients have 2.5 times more risk. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with the diagnosis of microscopic colitis and increased the risk fivefold. Conclusions: There is a relationship between female sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, cholecystectomy, consumption of three or more drugs and fecal incontinence with the presence of microscopic colitis.

RESUMO Introdução: A primeira descrição da colite microscópica foi feita em 1976. Atualmente, agrupa três subgrupos de patologias, a colite linfocítica clássica e a colite colagenosa, o terceiro subgrupo corresponde à colite microscópica incompleta. Objetivo: Identificar os principais fatores associados ao desenvolvimento de colite microscópica no Hospital Geral Provincial ¨Carlos Manuel de Céspedes¨, em Bayamo, Granma, de março de 2019 a agosto de 2021. Método: Estudo observacional analítico de casos e controles em pacientes com 18 anos ou mais com diarreia aquosa crônica atendidos no serviço de gastroenterologia do referido hospital, onde foram estudadas as variáveis: presença de colite microscópica, idade, sexo, tabagismo, uso de medicamentos, comorbidades, dor abdominal, fadiga, incontinência fecal, perda de peso. O tamanho da amostra para estudos pareados foi determinado por meio do programa STATA 17. Para sua estimativa foram considerados: nível de confiança, poder do estudo, razão de casos e controles e Odds Ratio mínimo. Resultados: Não houve associação entre idade acima de 50 anos e probabilidade de apresentar colite. O sexo feminino prevaleceu (62,5%). Do total de pacientes com colite microscópica (n=16), 62,5% fumavam. A OR obtida indicou que pacientes tabagistas apresentam risco 2,5 vezes maior. O diabetes mellitus foi significativamente associado ao diagnóstico de colite microscópica e aumentou o risco em cinco vezes. Conclusões: Existe relação entre sexo feminino, tabagismo, diabetes mellitus, colecistectomia, consumo de três ou mais medicamentos e incontinência fecal com a presença de colite microscópica.

Microscopic colitis: Case series and literature review / Colitis microscópica, serie de casos y revisión de la literatura

Abstract Introduction: Microscopic colitis is a benign and multifactorial disease characterized by watery diarrhea and histological alterations in the colonic mucosa. The incidence of this disease is increasing, being diagnosed more frequently. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, patients were examined employing colonoscopy and biopsy due to a diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in a gastroenterology unit throughout 22 months. Their diagnosis of colitis was confirmed by clinical picture and microscopic analysis. Results: In the study period, a total of 2849 colonoscopies were performed, 116 in patients with chronic diarrhea. We identified 15 patients with microscopic colitis, 12 were men (80 %), and only three were older than 60 (20 %). Conclusion: Unlike the world literature, this study found that microscopic colitis in our patients affects the male sex primarily (male/female ratio: 4/1) and occurs in young people, with an average age of 47.5 years (range: 21-82 years).

Resumen Introducción: la colitis microscópica es una enfermedad benigna y multifactorial caracterizada por la presencia de diarrea acuosa y alteraciones histológicas en la mucosa colónica. La incidencia de esta enfermedad viene en aumento y su diagnóstico se realiza cada vez con mayor frecuencia. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo en el que se revisaron los pacientes por medio de colonoscopia y biopsias por diagnóstico de diarrea crónica en un período de 22 meses en una unidad de gastroenterología, y en quienes mediante la clínica y el análisis histológico se confirmó el diagnóstico de colitis microscópica. Resultados: en el período de estudio se realizó un total de 2849 colonoscopias, 116 en pacientes con diarrea crónica. Se identificaron 15 pacientes con colitis microscópica, 12 fueron hombres (80 %) y solo hubo 3 mayores de 60 años (20 %). Conclusión: a diferencia de lo informado en la literatura mundial, en este estudio se encontró que la colitis microscópica en nuestros pacientes compromete especialmente al sexo masculino (relación hombre/mujer: 4/1) y se presenta en personas jóvenes, con un promedio de edad de 47,5 años (rango de 21 a 82 años).

Lymphocytic colitis presenting as intestinal obstruction: a rare case report

Lymphocytic colitis is a rare syndrome of watery diarrhoea, normal colonoscopy findings and mucosal inflammation. The patient does not present with bloody diarrhoea as there is no mucosal ulceration. A 30-year-old male presented with complaints of pain abdomen for 6 months. Ultrasound showed oedematous ileo-cecal junction with ileocolic lymphadenopathy which was managed with antibiotics. He presented again with symptoms of intestinal obstruction in the following month. On laparotomy, there was ileo-cecal thickening for which right hemicolectomy was done. The biopsy report came as lymphocytic colitis. This is a very rare presentation for a case of lymphocytic colitis.

Diagnóstico y manejo de la colitis microscópica / Diagnosis and management of microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a clinical condition characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, normal colonic mucosa and characteristic histological findings. It is composed of two main entities: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). Its incidence has been increasing, currently accounting for between 8 to 16% of studies for chronic diarrhea. It is more frequent in elderly women and is strongly associated with other autoimmune disorders. Its pathogenesis is not very well understood, but it supposes the immune activation secondary to the exposure of the colonic mucosa to different luminal antigens, mainly drugs. Management includes suspension of the potential causative agent and the use of anti-diarrheal medications. Oral budesonide has proven to be effective in induction and maintenance of remission, but with a high rate of recurrence upon discontinuation. Immune-modulators drugs such as azatioprine and metrotrexate have been tested in patients dependent to corticoids with variable results. Antibodies against tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are under studies, with promising results.

La colitis microscópica (CM) es una condición clínica caracterizada por diarrea crónica acuosa con mucosa colónica normal y hallazgos histológicos característicos. Está compuesta por dos entidades principales: la colitis colágena (CC) y la colitis linfocítica (CL). Su incidencia ha ido en aumento, siendo en la actualidad la responsable del 8 a 16% de los casos por diarrea crónica. Es más frecuente en mujeres de edad avanzada con una fuerte asociación a otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Su etiopatogenia no es del todo conocida, pero se cree juega un rol la activación inmune secundaria a la exposición de la mucosa colónica a diferentes antígenos luminales, principalmente fármacos. Dentro del manejo se incluye la suspensión del potencial agente causal y el uso de fármacos antidiarreicos. La budesonida oral ha demostrado alta efectividad en la inducción y mantención de la remisión, pero con una alta tasa de recurrencia al suspenderla. Fármacos inmunomoduladores como azatioprina y metrotrexato se han probado en pacientes corticodependendientes con resultados variables. El uso de anticuerpos monoclonales anti factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) se encuentra en estudio, con resultados prometedores.

Colitis microscópica / Microscopic Colitis

El síndrome de colitis microscópica define enfermedades caracterizadas por diarrea crónica, acuosa, de más de cuatro semanas de evolución, acompañadas de otros síntomas digestivos. Generalmente se presenta en pacientes femeninas después de la quinta década de vida, asociada con factores de riesgo como el hábito de fumar, la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas y el abuso en la ingestión de algunos medicamentos, esta enfermedad también se relaciona en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes. En los exámenes se encuentran hallazgos radiológicos y endoscópicos normales en el 80% de los casos. El diagnóstico se obtiene por medio del estudio histológico de la mucosa del colon. Las enfermedades incluyen colitis colágena y colitis linfocítica. En el presente estudio se realizó una revisión actualizada sobre esta temática que incluyó aspectos epidemiológicos, cuadro clínico, diagnóstico y tratamiento.

The microscopic colitis syndrome defines diseases characterized by chronic watery diarrhea of more than four weeks of evolution accompanied by other digestive syndromes. It is frequent in female patients of 50 years or more. It is associated with risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and drug intake. This disease is also related to patients suffering from autoimmune disease. In medical examination radiological and endoscopic findings were normal in 80% of the cases. Diagnose is obtained by means of histological studies of de colon mucosa which include collagenous and lymphocytic colitis. In the present study, an updated review was carried out on this topic, which included epidemiological aspects, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical features and risk factors in patients with microscopic colitis / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical, endoscopic and pathological data of patients with chronic diarrhea, and explore the possible risk factors of microscopic colitis (MC). Methods A prospective analysis of the clinical data of patients with complaints of watery diarrhea from June 2016 to April 2017 was conducted. All patients received colonoscopy examination with multi-point intestinal mucosal biopsy, histopathological and HE Masson staining. The history and pathology were analyzed. Results In 102 cases of watery diarrhea, MC was diagnosed in 3 cases (3/102, 2.94％), of which there were 3 cases of collagenous colitis (CC) in all these cases, all of them were female, aged 24～36 years old, and no lymphocytic colitis (LC) in all these cases. Mucous membrane of normal or mild hyperemia and edema showed only; histopathology showed epithelial cell injury, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, inflammatory cell infiltration in lamina propria, subepithelial collagen thickening. Recent hypoglycemic agents, PPIs, gluten and other factors may be closely related to the incidence of MC. Conclusion MC is an important cause of chronic diarrhea, the clinical symptoms and endoscopic manifestations are nonspecific, chronic diarrhea patients should undergo colonoscopy under multi-point biopsy, the incidence may be related to the use of certain drugs (such as hypoglycemic agents, PPIs) and some foods (gluten).

Microscopic colitis: A literature review / Colite microscópica: uma revisão da literatura

SUMMARY Microscopic colitis (MC) refers to chronic inflammation of the colon which is characterized by histologic changes at the level of a radiologically and endoscopically normal mucosa. It is a common cause of chronic non-bloody diarrhea that occurs primarily in older individuals; however, there are few studies in the literature with strong scientific evidence compared to other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which limits the knowledge of physicians and pathologists. This article aims to review the information on MC, describing diagnostic methods and drugs available for treatment. We conducted a search of the Pubmed database and CAPES Portal using the keywords “microscopic colitis”, “collagenous colitis”, “lymphocytic colitis”, and “review” for selection of articles published between 1996 and 2015 related to the topic. Based on the studies discussed in this review, we conclude that MC is a relatively new gastrointestinal disorder, most studies are incipient particularly with respect to pathophysiology and immunology, and budesonide is the best documented short-term treatment. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the best strategy for treatment in the long term.

RESUMO Colite microscópica (CM) corresponde à inflamação crônica do cólon que se manifesta por modificações histológicas em nível de uma mucosa radiológica e endoscopicamente normal. É uma causa comum de diarreia crônica não sanguinolenta que ocorre principalmente em indivíduos idosos; porém, há poucos trabalhos na literatura com forte evidência científica quando comparada à de outras doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), o que limita seu conhecimento por médicos e patologistas. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar as informações referentes à CM descrevendo os meios diagnósticos e os medicamentos disponíveis para o tratamento. Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados Pubmed e no Portal da CAPES entre 1996 e 2015 utilizando as palavras-chave “colite microscópica”, “colite colagenosa”, “colite linfocítica” e “revisão” para seleção de artigos relacionados ao tema. Diante dos trabalhos analisados, conclui-se que a CM é uma desordem gastrointestinal relativamente nova, a maioria dos estudos são incipientes, principalmente quanto à imunologia e fisiopatologia, e a budesonida é o tratamento em curto prazo mais bem documentado. Todavia são necessários novos estudos para elucidar qual é a melhor estratégia em longo prazo.

Microscopic analysis of patients with chronic diarrhea without macroscopic disease / Análise microscópica de pacientes com diarreia crônica sem doença macroscópica

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is part of the current diagnostic armamentarium. However, in some patients with chronic diarrhea, a colonoscopy may show normal mucosa; in these cases, serial biopsies can provide important information for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. AIM: To analyze patients with chronic diarrhea having a macroscopically normal colonoscopy, by evaluating histological changes. METHODS: 30 patients with chronic diarrhea and normal colonoscopy were prospectively evaluated and submitted to serial biopsies of the terminal ileum, ascending colon and rectum. RESULTS: The sample of 30 patients showed a ratio of 18 men (60%) and 12 women (40%). On histological types, it was found that 13 patients (43.3%) had lymphoid hyperplasia, eosinophilic inflammation in 4 (13.3%), nonspecific inflammation in 4 (13.3%), regenerative changes in 3 (10%), lymphocytic colitis in 2 (6.6%) and changes consistent with Crohn's disease in 1 (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: One can observe that even chronic diarrhea patients, without other associated factors, benefited from colonoscopy with biopsy, because it held the etiologic diagnosis in some cases as also excluded by histopathology. It was noticed that the frequency of patients with altered biopsy and less dragged diarrheal episodes (84.2%) was large, should consider their achievement.

INTRODUÇÃO: A colonoscopia faz parte do arsenal de diagnóstico atual. Porém, em alguns pacientes com diarreia crônica, a colonoscopia pode evidenciar mucosa normal; nesses casos biópsias seriadas podem trazer informações importantes para o diagnóstico e tratamento dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Analisar pacientes com diarreia crônica submetidos à colonoscopia macroscopicamente normal, avaliando assim histologicamente as alterações. MÉTODOS: Análise prospectiva da histologia 30 pacientes com diarreia crônica e colonoscopias normais, submetidos a biópsias seriadas de íleo terminal, cólon ascendente e reto. RESULTADOS: A amostra de 30 pacientes mostrou uma proporção de 18 homens (60%) e 12 mulheres (40%). Sobre os tipos de alterações histológicas, foi verificado que 13 pacientes (43,3%) apresentaram hiperplasia linfóide, inflamação eosinofílica em 4 (13,3%), inflamação inespecífica em 4 (13,3%), alterações regenerativas em 3 (10%), colite linfocítica em 2 (6,6%) e alterações compatíveis com Doença de Crohn em 1 (3,3%). CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se que mesmo pacientes com diarreia crônica, sem outros fatores associados, beneficiaram-se da colonoscopia com biópsia, pois a mesma realizou o diagnóstico etiológico em alguns casos como também o excluiu através da histopatologia. Verificou-se que a frequência de pacientes com biópsia alterada e quadros diarreicos menos arrastados (84,2%) foi grande, devendo-se considerar a realização do exame.

Microscopic Colitis / 대한내과학회지

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease presenting with chronic watery diarrhea. Epidemiologic studies from Western countries have demonstrated that it is almost as common as other classic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Histological examination can confirm the diagnosis and differentiate between the two main subtypes of MC: collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. The pathophysiology of MC remains unknown; however, possible etiologies include genetic predispositions, autoimmunity, inflammatory responses to luminal factors such as certain drugs or bacteria, and myofibroblast dysregulations. The aim of MC therapy should take into account the severity of symptoms, impact on quality of life, and evidence from clinical trials of available medical treatments.

Diagnóstico histopatológico de colitis microscópica: enfoque práctico / A practical approach to histopathologic diagnosis of microscopic colitis

La colitis linfocítica y la colitis colagenosa son las dos formas histológicas de la colitis microscópica (CM), condición médica reconocida hace más de 30 años, habitual en pacientes adultos con diarrea crónica acuosa, sin cambios endoscópicos en la mucosa del colon y cuyo diagnóstico se establece exclusivamente en el examenhistopatológico de las biopsias de colon. El objetivo de la presente revisión es familiarizar a los médicos patólogos quirúrgicos en práctica general con la morfología de la colitis linfocítica y la colitis colagenosa, así como con la importancia de los informes de patología y la de una buena comunicación con el médico endoscopista para el correcto diagnóstico de estas entidades, y brindar a estos pacientes el tratamiento adecuado.

Lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis are two histologic forms of microscopic colitis, a condition whichwas first recognized over 30 years ago. It is often found in adults with chronic, watery diarrhea although endoscopic examination of the colon is frequently normal. The diagnosis is based on microscopic examination of colonic biopsies. The aim of this review is to familiarize general surgical pathologists with the morphologic features of lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. In additional, this review emphasizes good communication with the endoscopist to allow correct recognition and ensure appropriate treatment.

Juvenile Spondyloarthritis with Microscopic Colitis.

We report an adolescent girl with long standing spondyloarthritis and chronic diarrhea. Colonoscopy and biopsy revealed microscopic colitis. All serology and HLA-B27 were negative. This case is reported for its rarity and the need to evaluate gut in chronic arthritis to achieve clinical remission.

Clinical Characteristics of Microscopic Colitis in Korea: Prospective Multicenter Study by KASID

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Microscopic colitis (MC) encompasses collagenous and lymphocytic colitis and is characterized by chronic diarrhea. In cases of MC, colonic mucosae are macroscopically normal, and diagnostic histopathological features are observed only upon microscopic examination. We designed a prospective multicenter study to determine the clinical features, pathological distribution in the colon and prevalence of MC in Korea. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients having watery diarrhea no more than 3 times a day between March 2008 and February 2009. We obtained patient histories and performed colonoscopies with random biopsies at each colon segment. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with chronic diarrhea were enrolled for a normal colonoscopy and stool exam. MC was observed in 22 patients (22%) (M:F 1.2:1; mean age, 47.5 years). Of those 22 patients, 18 had lymphocytic colitis and 4 had collagenous colitis. The entire colon was affected in only 3 cases (13.6%), the ascending colon in 6 cases (27.2%), the transverse colon in 3 cases (13.6%), and the left colon in 3 cases (13.6%). More than 2 segments were affected in 7 cases (31.8%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated MCs were observed in 4 cases (18.2%), 3 of which showed improved diarrhea symptoms following discontinuation of the medication. Frequently associated symptoms were abdominal pain and weight loss. Autoimmune diseases were observed in 4 cases (18.2%). Half of the 22 patients with MC improved with conservative care by loperamide or probiotics. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective multicenter study of Korean patients with chronic diarrhea, the frequency of MC was found to be approximately 20%, similar to the percentage observed in Western countries. Therefore, the identification of MC is important for the adequate management of Korean patients with chronic diarrhea.

Microscopic colitis in patients presenting with chronic diarrhea.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of microscopic colitis among patients presenting with chronic watery diarrhea. Material and Methods: Colonic biopsies from 400 patients presenting with chronic watery diarrhea and other symptoms pertaining to lower gastrointestinal tract were studied. After a detailed clinical history and thorough physical examination full length colonoscopy was done using flexible colonoscope. Colonic biopsies were taken from abnormal and normal areas. Three to five micron thick sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stain to highlight sub epithelial collagen. Results: Fifteen out of 400 (3.7%) colonic biopsies from patients presenting with chronic diarrhea had evidence of microscopic colitis. Five out of fifteen biopsies (33%) were diagnosed as collagenous colitis, 10 biopsies (67%) had evidence of lymphocytic colitis; 14/400(3.5%) histologically normal biopsies were taken as controls to compare various demographic and risk factors. Ten out of 15 patients (67%) were clinically diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. In the remaining five an infective etiology was suspected. On colonoscopy12/15 (80%) had no abnormality and 3/15 (20%) had mild hyperemia. Conclusion: A possibility of microscopic colitis should be considered while examining colonoscopic biopsy of a patient with chronic watery diarrhea and normal colonoscopy to avoid the misdiagnosis that may affect the treatment of patients

Microscopic Colitis: The Pathologic Features of 24 Korean Patients

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation of microscopic colitis (MC) consists of chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea for weeks or months at a time, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits with a normal mucosal appearance upon performing colonoscopy. MC includes two relatively well established histopathologic entities: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC) as well as atypical forms. The recognition of the microscopic findings of this heterogeneous entity is very important for making the correct diagnosis and providing proper treatment. METHODS: We studied the colonoscopic biopsy specimens that were obtained from 26 patients who had clinical findings that were suggestive of MC. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (M:F=9:6) and 9 patients (M:F=5:4) showed the microscopic features of LC and MC, not otherwise specified, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinicopathologic findings (the incidence of the subtypes, the patients' ages and the male/female ratio) of the 24 cases of MC in this study showed differences from the previously reported findings from other countries. Further studies with a sufficient number of patients from multi-centers would be necessary to confirm the regional or ethnic influence.

Microscopic colitis in a single center study: clinical feature & characteristics / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC) are characterized by chronic diarrhea and normal radiologic and endoscopic findings. These are currently not uncommon entities whose incidence in increasing as more clinicians take biopsies from macroscopically normal colons. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features and characteristics in microscopic colitis. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2006, medical records were reviewed from 80 patients with chronic diarrhea, who had normal colonoscopic findings but underwent biopsy. Patients with microscopic colitis were identified by reviewing the pathology databases and by reviewing biopsies. RESULTS: Microscopic colitis was diagnosed in 12 patients (15%). Six patients with CC (Male:Female=2:4, mean age 54+/-20.1 years) and 6 patients with LC (Male:Female=5:1, mean age 51.2+/-21.4 years) were identified. Autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 4 patients (33%). Drug-induced disease was suspected in 3 patients (25%). The inciting drugs were NSAIDs, ticlopidine, ranitidine, and acarbose. Complete or partial resolution of diarrhea was achieved in all patients, including spontaneous resolution in 2 patients. Antidiarrheal drugs, mesalazine, and cholestylamine were highly effective in both diseases. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in 2 patients (17%). They are taking medicine at present. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic colitis is a relatively common cause of chronic diarrhea that appears to be increasing in incidence. We reported clinical features, characteristics, treatment, and response of microscopic colitis in our experience.

Study on the action of IgG,IgM and IL-8 in the pathogenesis of microscopic colitis / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To investigate the action of immune factors(IgG and IgM)and cytokine(IL-8)in the pathogenesis of microscopic colitis.Methods Immunohistochemical methods and radioimmune methods were used to detect IgG and IgM in intestinal mucosa and IL-8 in serum respectively.The data of 32 cases who were diagnosed as microscopic colitis were compared with that of 71 irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and 38 active ulcerative colitis(UC)patients who were assigned as the control group.Results The expression of IgG and IgM increased in MC group;there were significant differences compared with IBS group,but no significant differences compared with UC group;the level of IL-8 in MC group showed significant difference compared with UC group but had no significant difference compared with IBS group;the level of IL-8 in UC group increased obviously.Conclusion It is the disordered function of immune system that plays a main roles in the pathogenesis of MC,not inflammation.