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Med Hypotheses 2019 Feb 7;123:90-94. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States. Electronic address:

Collagenous colitis is a relatively rare disorder affecting mainly middle-aged women where they present with chronic non-bloody diarrhea. Both with lymphocytic colitis they compose microscopic colitis. The exact cause of collagenous colitis is still unknown however; many potential pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed but no convincing mechanism has been identified. Read More

BMC Gastroenterol 2019 Jan 5;19(1). Epub 2019 Jan 5.

Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.

Background: The long-term natural history of microscopic colitis (MC) (collagenous colitis (CC), lymphocytic colitis (LC)), traditionally considered relapsing but non-progressive diseases, is poorly defined. Whether persistent histologic inflammation in such diseases is associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) or extracolonic cancers has not been robustly established.

Methods: This retrospective cohort included diagnosed with MC at a referral center. Read More

Scand J Gastroenterol 2018 Dec 2;53(12):1469-1475. Epub 2019 Jan 2.

a Department of Paediatrics , Örebro University Hospital , Örebro , Sweden.

Objective: Microscopic colitis (MC), encompassing collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), is a diagnosis which relies on histopathologic criteria. This report examines the validity of having a diagnosis of MC in Swedish pathology registers.

Methods: We reviewed patient charts from 215 randomly selected individuals from 15 pathology departments in five healthcare regions in Sweden with a relevant histopathology code for MC on colon biopsies. Read More

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018 Dec 6. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address:

Background & Aims: Obesity promotes intestinal inflammation and might contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. We examined the association between obesity and risk of microscopic colitis in a prospective cohort study.

Methods: We collected data from 192,101 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) (from 1986 through 2014) or NHSII (from 1991 through 2015). Read More

Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol 2019 Mar 21;65(1):53-62. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette-SGAS Hospital, Turin, Italy -

Microscopic colitis (MC) is diagnosed in presence of microscopic alterations of colonic mucosa, in patients without macroscopic lesions who referred for chronic diarrhea. The two types of MC are lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC), but it is unclear whether these are the different expression of one unique disease or if they are distinct conditions. Today, although MC represents a consistent health problem, being responsible for a large part of gastroenterological consultations for diarrhea, it remains often underestimated. Read More

Praxis (Bern 1994) 2018;107(22):1195-1199

2 Zentrum für Gastroenterologie Hepatologie, Zürich-Altstetten.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is still an underestimated cause of chronic, non-bloody watery diarrhea. It is typically manifested in elderly patients with a female predominance. The incidence of microscopic colitis has been increasing. Read More

Semin Diagn Pathol 2018 Nov 16;35(6):370-380. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Department of Pathology, St. Jude Medical Center, Fullerton, CA 92835, United States. Electronic address:

The alimentary tract serves as host to a large number of diseases. In the non-neoplastic group of disorders, conventional histochemistry continues to play an important diagnostic role. It is particularly important in recognizing specific infectious diseases, such as Helicobacter gastritis, Whipple disease, intestinal tuberculosis and other forms of mycobacteriosis, malakoplakia, intestinal spirochetosis, fungal enteritides, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, isosporiasis, and microsporidiosis. Read More

J Crohns Colitis 2018 Oct 17. Epub 2018 Oct 17.

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Background: Evidence for second line therapy in patients with microscopic colitis (MC) failing budesonide is scarce, although anti-tumor necrosing factors (anti-TNFs), methotrexate and azathioprine have been reported to be effective in small cohort studies. Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting α4β7-integrin, prevents homing of T-cells to the gut. We evaluated clinical remission with vedolizumab in budesonide-refractory MC patients. Read More

Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018 13;11:1756284818799599. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Leeds Gastroenterology Institute, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

Background: Fatigue is a well-recognized symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and has been associated with psychological comorbidity and impaired quality of life in both. However, features associated with fatigue in patients with microscopic colitis (MC) are less clear.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients with a new diagnosis of MC including levels of anxiety, depression, somatization, quality of life, and IBS-type symptoms. Read More

Am J Gastroenterol 2019 Jan;114(1):127-134

Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Objective: Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea among the elderly. Although the prevalence of celiac disease appears to be higher in patients with microscopic colitis, the relationship between dietary gluten intake and risk of microscopic colitis among individuals without celiac disease has not been explored.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 160,744 US women without celiac disease enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the NHSII. Read More

Gastroenterology 2018 12 23;155(6):1764-1775.e2. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Gastroenterology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Karolinska Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. Electronic address:

Background & Aims: Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon primarily affecting postmenopausal women. However, the relation between hormonal determinants, including reproductive and menopausal factors, and risk of microscopic colitis has yet to be characterized.

Methods: We collected data from 227,766 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the NHSII without a baseline history of microscopic colitis. Read More

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018 Sep 23;48(6):618-625. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.

Background: Microscopic colitis causes chronic watery diarrhoea and has previously been associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors.

Aim: To explore the association between proton pump inhibitor use and microscopic colitis, including its dependency on timing, dose and choice of proton pump inhibitor.

Methods: Within a 10-year period, we identified 10 652 patients with a first-time diagnosis of microscopic colitis, including 6254 (59%) with collagenous colitis and 4398 (41%) with lymphocytic colitis. Read More

Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018 21;11:1756284818783600. Epub 2018 Jun 21.

Leeds Gastroenterology Institute, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

Background: Patients with microscopic colitis (MC) often present with abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and previous data suggest that there may be overlap between MC and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We evaluated the prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in patients with MC, and assess the impact of these symptoms on psychological health and quality of life.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals with a histological diagnosis of MC, collecting demographic data, Rome III IBS-type symptoms, and mood, somatization, and quality of life data. Read More

Emerg Microbes Infect 2018 Jun 26;7(1):116. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

GI Research Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen,, AB25 2ZD, UK.

In recent years, an increasing number of Campylobacter species have been associated with human gastrointestinal (GI) diseases including gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Campylobacter concisus, an oral commensal historically linked to gingivitis and periodontitis, has been increasingly detected in the lower GI tract. In the present study, we generated robust genome sequence data from C. Read More

Scand J Gastroenterol 2018 Jun - Jul;53(7):818-824. Epub 2018 May 31.

a Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.

Objective: The significantly higher incidence rates of microscopic colitis (MC) in Denmark compared to Sweden remains unexplained.

Methods: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed MC in the neighbouring regions of Skåne in 2011-2015 and Zealand in 2010-2016 were prospectively identified. Data on large bowel endoscopies and biopsies rates were retrieved. Read More

Colorectal Dis 2018 Nov 7;20(11):1020-1027. Epub 2018 Jun 7.

Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK.

Aim: We report clinicopathological experience of microscopic colitis (MC) in a population-based case series in Northern Ireland over a 9-year period.

Method: The pathology laboratory information system within a large teaching centre serving two healthcare trusts was interrogated for cases coded between 2008 and 2016 as collagenous colitis (CC) or lymphocytic colitis (LC). Demographic, clinical and follow-up information was collected from healthcare records. Read More

Ann Transl Med 2018 Feb;6(3):69

Digital Pathology, Visiopharm, Hørsholm, Denmark.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, encompassing a triad of chronic diarrhea, normal endoscopy and characteristic histological findings. MC embraces two histological subtypes described as lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC). The diagnostic criteria of MC were established several years ago and the histological description of LC and CC was based almost exclusively on heamatoxylin-eosin (HE) stained sections. Read More

Colorectal Dis 2018 Sep 24;20(9):813-820. Epub 2018 Apr 24.

Miraca Life Sciences, Irving, TX, USA.

Aim: Previous studies have found an increased risk for microscopic colitis (MC) associated with proton pump inhibitors. In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), proton pump inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk for IBD flares and impaired outcomes. The aim of this study was to test the epidemiological associations between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and MC, UC or CD in a large database. Read More

J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018 Mar 30. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

Oral budesonide is a second-generation steroid that allows local, selective treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver, minimizing systemic exposure. The results of randomized trials comparing budesonide versus placebo or active comparators have led to expert recommendations that budesonide be used to treat mild or moderate active ileocecal Crohn's disease, microscopic colitis (including both collagenous and lymphocytic colitis), ulcerative colitis, and non-cirrhotic autoimmune hepatitis. The mechanism of budesonide action obviates the need for dose tapering due to safety reasons after induction therapy. Read More

Hum Pathol 2018 Jul 27;77:80-87. Epub 2018 Mar 27.

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA. Electronic address:

Microscopic ileitis has been infrequently reported in the literature with the few reported cases usually associated with concurrent microscopic colitis. Having encountered a case of collagenous ileitis involving the diverted distal limb of a loop ileostomy and sparing the proximal limb, we examined additional cases of loop ileostomy, end ileostomy, colostomy, and the accompanying diverted colorectal segment for features of microscopic ileitis and colitis. A total of 101 cases of diverted and nondiverted enteric segments were examined from 37 loop ileostomies, 16 end ileostomies, and 12 colostomies status post-Hartmann's procedure. Read More

Scand J Gastroenterol 2018 04 16;53(4):410-416. Epub 2018 Mar 16.

a Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine and Health , Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.

Objectives: Onset of microscopic colitis (MC) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), or vice versa, has been reported occasionally but the subject is not well described. We therefore report a retrospective observational study of such patients and review the literature.

Methods: Forty-six Swedish gastroenterology clinics were contacted about patients with diagnoses of both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and MC. Read More

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018 Nov 11;16(11):1762-1767. Epub 2018 Mar 11.

Miraca Life Sciences, Irving, Texas; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Background & Aims: Lymphocytic disorders of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract seem to cluster in patients. We aimed to assess the frequency of comorbid occurrence of lymphocytic disorders in patients with microscopic colitis (MC).

Methods: We collected data from the Miraca Life Sciences Database, a large national electronic repository of histopathologic records of patients throughout the United States. Read More

J Crohns Colitis 2018 Apr;12(5):559-567

Gastroenterology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

Background: Long-term data on the influence of smoking on risk of microscopic colitis are limited. We therefore sought to examine and characterize the association between smoking and risk of incident microscopic colitis in two large prospective cohorts of women.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 231015 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study [NHS] and NHSII. Read More

Gastroenterology Res 2017 Dec 3;10(6):329-333. Epub 2018 Jan 3.

Division of Gastroenterology, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, MI, USA.

Background: Lymphocytic colitis (LC) is a chronic disorder characterized by watery diarrhea. This study sought to evaluate if LC recurs after therapy, and the time frame in which this occurs. Secondary objectives included length and type of therapy, drug-free intervals, and reasons for drug discontinuation. Read More

Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2017 Nov;13(11):671-677

Dr Boland is an inflammatory bowel disease fellow and Dr Nguyen is a clinician scientist at the Mount Sinai Hospital IBD Centre in Toronto, Canada. Dr Nguyen is also an associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic watery diarrhea and diagnosed with the histologic hallmarks of disease despite a macroscopically normal large bowel. Although 2 distinct disease phenotypes exist, their clinical presentations and epidemiologic characteristics have overlapping features. This article summarizes evidence regarding the pathogenesis of MC, mechanisms of diarrhea in this cohort, and associations with medications. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2018 01 4;63(1):105-112. Epub 2017 Dec 4.

Division of Medical Diagnostics, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden.

Background And Aim: Microscopic colitis (MC) has been associated with increased paracellular permeability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate potential associations between MC and several genes encoding tight junction (TJ) proteins reported to interact with each other.

Methods: The association between MC and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; n = 63) within TJ genes (F11R, MAGI1, MAGI2, MAGI3, PARD3, PTEN, and TJP1) were investigated in a case-control study (n  = 104 and n  = 423). Read More

Virchows Arch 2018 Jan 25;472(1):67-80. Epub 2017 Nov 25.

Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

Certain types of colitides, such as collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and ischemic colitis, have distinct histologic features that allow for a specific diagnosis. However, in most colonic biopsy specimens, a definite diagnosis cannot be established on the basis of histology alone. Thus, in most cases of colitis, it is helpful to utilize a systematic approach in order to recognize patterns of injury. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2017 Nov;96(46):e8355

aDepartment of Internal Medicine bDivision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Rationale: Microscopic colitis is a common cause of diarrhea. Pentoxifylline, a xanthine derivative with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha properties, is prescribed for intermittent claudication and other disorders. Our goal was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with microscopic colitis treated with pentoxifylline. Read More

Surg Pathol Clin 2017 Dec 28;10(4):841-861. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 5220 Medical Science I, 1301 Catherine Street, SPC 5602, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5602, USA.

Chronic colitis, regardless of type, is defined histologically by chronic inflammation, mainly plasmacytosis, in the lamina propria. Specific diagnosis of chronic colitides in biopsies can be challenging for practicing pathologists. This article focuses on discussing specific histologic features in biopsies of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis, Crohn colitis, and colitis of indeterminate type. Read More

Dig Liver Dis 2017 Oct 9;49(10):1073-1085. Epub 2017 Aug 9.

Endoscopy Unit, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Introduction: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a clinical syndrome of severe watery diarrhea with few or no endoscopic abnormalities. The incidence of MC is reported similar to that of other inflammatory bowel diseases. The need for histological confirmation of MC frequently guides reimbursement health policies. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 07 13;7:CD006096. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital, Room E6-321A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5W9.

Background: Lymphocytic colitis is a cause of chronic diarrhea. It is a subtype of microscopic colitis characterized by chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea and normal endoscopic and radiologic findings. The etiology of this disorder is unknown. Read More

Gut Liver 2018 May;12(3):227-235

NorthShore University HealthSystem, University of Chicago, Evanston, IL, USA.

Microscopic colitis (MC), which is comprised of lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis, is a clinicopathological diagnosis that is commonly encountered in clinical practice during the evaluation and management of chronic diarrhea. With an incidence approaching the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, physician awareness is necessary, as diagnostic delays result in a poor quality of life and increased health care costs. The physician faces multiple challenges in the diagnosis and management of MC, as these patients frequently relapse after successful treatment. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2017 10 9;62(10):2755-2767. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, AB, Canada.

Background: An association between microscopic colitis (MC), i.e., lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been noticed. Read More

Scand J Gastroenterol 2017 Sep 31;52(9):988-994. Epub 2017 May 31.

a Leeds Gastroenterology Institute , St. James's University Hospital , Leeds , UK.

Objective: Microscopic colitis (MC) is classically associated with normal or near-normal endoscopic appearances. However, non-specific macroscopic findings have been described, the importance of biopsy location for confirming a diagnosis of MC is unclear, and reported incidence data from the United Kingdom are limited. This study was designed to assess macroscopic features, incidence, demographics, and location and positivity of biopsy samples in MC. Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2017 10;4:54. Epub 2017 May 10.

Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy.

One of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea is ascribed to microscopic colitis (MC). MC is classified in subtypes: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). Patients with MC report watery, non-bloody diarrhea of chronic course, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue that may impair patient's health-related quality of life. Read More

Inflamm Bowel Dis 2017 06;23(6):932-945

*Nutrition-Gut-Brain Interactions Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; †Department of Pathology, Örebro University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; ‡Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Örebro University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; and §Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.

Background: Microscopic colitis (MC), comprising collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), is a type of variation of inflammatory bowel diseases. Local T-cell infiltration in the mucosa plays a major role in MC immunopathology.

Methods: To understand diversity and clonality of infiltrating T cells, we analyzed the T-cell receptor beta (TCRβ) chains in colonic biopsies of MC, ulcerative colitis (UC), and their remission counterparts (CC/LC-HR [histological remission] or UC-R [remission]) compared with patients with noninflamed colons using next-generation sequencing. Read More

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017 07 10;46(2):169-174. Epub 2017 May 10.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Background: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea. Various treatment options have been described, but there are limited data describing outcomes of corticosteroid-sparing treatments.

Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with active MC treated with immune modulators. Read More

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017 May;29(5):587-594

aSchool of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro bThe Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden cDepartment of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.

Objectives: Data on heredity, risk factors and comorbidity in microscopic colitis, encompassing collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), are limited.

Aim: The aim was to carry out a case-control study of family history, childhood circumstances, educational level, marital status, smoking and comorbidity in microscopic colitis.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent in 2008-2009 to microscopic colitis patients resident in Sweden and three population-based controls per patient, matched for age, sex and municipality. Read More

Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2017 Jun 16;41(3):333-340. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Montfermeil, France.

Aims: To determinate the topographical distribution of key diagnostic histological features of lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC) and to establish what correlations may exist between the histological findings and the causes and severity of MC.

Patients And Methods: Patients with MC were included in a prospective multicentre French study from September 2010 to October 2012. MC was diagnosed by performing total colonoscopy with multiple biopsies of the rectum and colon collected in separate jars and analyzed separately for each site (descending and sigmoid colon, transverse colon, ascending colon). Read More

Drugs R D 2017 Mar;17(1):79-89

Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital General de Tomelloso, Vereda de Socuéllamos s/n, Tomelloso, 13700, Ciudad Real, Spain.

A variety of luminal antigens, including a wide range of drugs, have been associated with the still little-known pathophysiology of microscopic colitis (MC), with variable evidence suggesting causality. This article aims to review the aspects related to drugs as potential triggers of MC; to discuss the most commonly identified associations between drugs and MC; and to analyze the limitations of the studies currently available. A literature search was performed in PubMed combining the search terms 'drug exposure', 'drug consumption', and 'risk factors' with 'microscopic colitis', 'lymphocytic colitis', and 'collagenous colitis', with no language restrictions. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2017 04 9;62(4):1009-1015. Epub 2017 Jan 9.

Miraca Life Sciences, Irving, TX, USA.

Background: Previous studies found that microscopic colitis is inversely associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and that microscopic colitis is characterized by a marked ethnic variation.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to test whether an underlying ethnic variation of H. pylori infection is responsible for the ethnic variation of microscopic colitis. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2017 05 2;62(5):1204-1215. Epub 2017 Jan 2.

School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 70182, Örebro, Sweden.

Background And Aim: Microscopic colitis, comprising collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, is a common cause of chronic diarrhea. Previously, we showed enhanced chemokine productions in microscopic colitis patients, indicating dysregulated immune cell chemotaxis in the immunopathogenesis. We also showed decreased mRNA of IL-37, mainly regarded as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in the colonic mucosa of these patients, potentially an important factor for the chronicity of the colitis. Read More

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2016 Dec;62(9):895-900

MD from Emescam, Vitória, ES, Brazil.

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. Read More

Gut 2018 03 13;67(3):441-446. Epub 2016 Dec 13.

Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Objective: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea, often with additional symptoms. No validated instruments exist to assess disease activity in MC, making it difficult to compare efficacy of treatments between clinical trials. We aimed to identify clinical features that independently predicted disease severity and create a Microscopic Colitis Disease Activity Index (MCDAI). Read More

Am J Gastroenterol 2017 01 29;112(1):78-85. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a relatively common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, especially in older persons. Associated symptoms, including abdominal pain and arthralgias, are common. The diagnosis is based upon characteristic histological findings in the presence of diarrhea. Read More

World J Gastroenterol 2016 Oct;22(38):8459-8471

Danila Guagnozzi, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that has emerged in the last three decades as a leading cause of chronic watery diarrhoea. MC classically includes two main subtypes: lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC). Other types of histopathological changes in the colonic mucosa have been described in patients with chronic diarrhoea, without fulfilling the conventional histopathological criteria for MC diagnosis. Read More

Pol Merkur Lekarski 2016 Oct;41(244):202-204

Corpora-Med, Medical Rehabilitation Center, Gliwice, Poland.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is frequent, although still uncommonly diagnosed, cause of chronic diarrhea. The etiopathology of MC is unknown but this disease has strong influence on patient's quality of life (measured by health-related quality of life - HRQoL). MC is characterized by microscopic abnormalities in large bowel's mucosa whereas endoscopic and radiological examination findings are normal. Read More

Ann Pharmacother 2017 Mar 13;51(3):253-263. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

1 Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Objective: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that is characterized by chronic, watery, nonbloody diarrhea. Concern regarding a potential association between proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and MC has recently emerged. We sought to systematically review and summarize the evidence for the potential association between PPIs and MC. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2017 06 22;62(6):1571-1579. Epub 2016 Sep 22.

Service d'hepatogastroenterologie, Gastroenterology Unit, Amiens University and Hospital, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Avenue Laennec-Salouel, 80000, Amiens, France.

Objective: To date, there are no epidemiological data on microscopic colitis (MC) in France. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of MC in the Somme department in Northern France, to evaluate clinical characteristics, and to search for risk factors for both collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC).

Design: Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007, four pathology units in the Somme department recorded all new cases of MC diagnosed in patients living in the area. Read More

Am J Gastroenterol 2016 08;111(8):1211-3

Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.