Microscopic colitis: a narrative review with clinical approach.

Microscopic colitis: a narrative review with clinical approach. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2018 Nov 21;: Authors: Mosso E, Boano V, Grassini M, Battaglia E, Pellicano R Abstract 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. The detailed pathogenesis of MC has not been determined yet. Probably, it is the result of an interaction between individual, environmental and genetic factors. The most relevant risk factor for the development of MC is the use of certain drugs (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], proton pump inhibitors [PPIs], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins). Smoking is another relevant factor reported as associated with the development of MC. Diagnosis needs the execution of a colonoscopy in patients complaining about chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. The crucial role is played by histology: MC is characterized by the presence of colonic mucosal lymphocytic infiltrate, with intra...
Source: Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol Source Type: research