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About Microscopic colitis
Microscopic colitis is a disorder characterized by intermittent to chronic watery non-bloody diarrhea with a normal-appearing colon on colonoscopy or CT scan. However, upon biopsy of the colon, microscopic evidence of inflammation can be observed; hence the term microscopic colitis. Pathologically, this inflammation is characterized by inflammatory immune cells called lymphocytes or the deposition of a type of material along the lining of the colon called collagen, giving rising the two distinct subtypes of microscopic colitis called lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis.
What causes microscopic colitis?
The incidence of microscopic colitis is rising. It has been estimated that 10–20% of all cases with chronic non-bloody diarrhea are due to microscopic colitis. The disorder is likely caused by multiple factors including but not limited to genetics and possible drug exposure.
How is microscopic colitis diagnosed?
Because the gross appearance of the mucosa is most often normal, the diagnosis of microscopic colitis depends on the histological examination of colonic biopsy tissue by a pathologist. If a patient is suffering from unexplained diarrhea, a doctor has to be aware of this condition and take biopsies during colonoscopy. Clinical symptoms include:
How is microscopic colitis treated?
Microscopic colitis is often a challenging disease requiring individualized patient treatment programs with a strong long-term doctor-patient relationship, as patients often can have relapses of their symptoms and disease.
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