Abstract

PRIETO O, Robin German  and  PRIETO O, Jhon Edison. Microscopic Cholitis, An Increasingly Frequent Diagnosis. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2019, vol.34, n.4, pp.399-403. ISSN 0120-9957.  https://doi.org/10.22516/25007440.377.

Microscopic colitis currently includes three subgroups. The classical ones are lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis which are distinguished histologically by the presence or absence of subepithelial thickening. The third subgroup is Incomplete Microscopic Colitis which includes patients who do not meet the classical criteria for Microscopic colitis but who have similar histological changes. Although prevalence and incidence are low, recent studies show that it has become slightly more common. Causative factors mentioned include immunological and infectious issue, and it has been related to some medications and to cigarette smoking. Clinically it is characterized by watery diarrhea which sometimes oscillate with periods of constipation. The three subgroups have similar clinical manifestations, so their diagnoses are usually histological. Colonoscopy with biopsy is the diagnostic pillar, and should be complemented by complete blood count, a parasitological examination, immunological studies (antinuclear antibodies, IgG) and thyroid function. Treatment is based on the suspension of related medications, changes in eating habits, and the use of medications such as steroids, bismuth subsalicylate, 5-ASA and cholestyramine. Improvement is achieved in the vast majority of patients, and recurrences are rare.

Keywords : Colitis; microscopic; lymphocytic; collagenase; colonoscopy; biopsies.

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