A prospective study of endoscopy in HIV-associated diarrhea

OBJECTIVE: Diarrhea commonly occurs in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The optimal use of endoscopic procedures remains poorly studied for patients with HIV-related diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic yield of a complete endoscopic work-up including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy to a more limited approach of biopsies obtainable by flexible sigmoidoscopy. METHODS: A prospective study of 79 patients with HIV-related diarrhea. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy were performed with tissue biopsies labelled according to location within the colon or small intestine. RESULTS: A new infection was diagnosed in 22 of 79 patients (28%). Biopsy of the left colon yielded an enteric pathogen in 17 of 22 patients (sensitivity: 77%) and in 15 of 15 patients with cytomegalovirus colitis (sensitivity: 100%). Combined left and right colonic biopsies had a sensitivity of 82%. Combined colonic and terminal ileum biopsies missed no pathogens. Duodenal biopsies yielded no additional pathogens beyond those identified by colonoscopy and terminal ileal biopsy. Patients with a new pathogen diagnosed had significantly lower CD4 lymphocyte counts as compared to patients without a new pathogen (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with CD4 counts < 100/mm3 and unexplained AIDS-related diarrhea, flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsy is a sufficiently thorough endoscopic evaluation.     

Histologic study of colonic mucosa in patients with chronic diarrhea and normal colonoscopic findings

BACKGROUND: There are controversies about the importance of biopsies of normal colon mucosa in the investigation of patients with chronic diarrhea. STUDY: Colonic and terminal ileum biopsies of 167 patients were reviewed. In 5 patients, used as controls, colonoscopy was done due to family history of colon cancer. RESULTS: The 5 patients without symptoms had no histologic abnormalities. The histologic findings in 162 patients with chronic diarrhea were as follows: 110 patients (67.9%) with normal histology, microscopic colitis not otherwise specified, and isolated small granulomas; 17 (10.5%) patients had findings of borderline diagnostic significance, including possible collagenous colitis, some features of lymphocytic colitis and melanosis coli; and 35 (21.6%) patients, with diagnostic significant histologic findings as collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, minimal change microscopic colitis, eosinophilic colitis, pericrypt eosinophilic enterocolitis, intestinal spirochetosis, schistosomiasis, and Crohn's disease. Of the 52 patients with either borderline or significant diagnostic abnormalities, in 8 (15.4%) the diagnosis was done only with a proximal study (ascending, transverse, or descending colons). CONCLUSIONS: Histologic lesions of possible diagnostic value could exist in 32.1% of chronic diarrhea patients with normal colonoscopy, which can justify, in certain cases, mucosa biopsies, which might contribute for a more precise etiologic diagnosis; also, the distribution of these histologic changes has pointed out the importance of having all colon segments biopsied.     

The prevalence, anatomic distribution, and diagnosis of colonic causes of chronic diarrhea

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic diarrhea from a colonic disease and the optimal method of its diagnosis have not been ascertained. METHODS: Eight hundred nine patients with chronic non-bloody diarrhea unassociated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection underwent colonoscopy with biopsy specimen taken from throughout the colon and, if reached, the terminal ileum. The prevalence and anatomic distribution of ileocolonic histopathology and whether flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy represents the safest and most cost-effective test for diagnosis were determined. RESULTS: 122 of 809 patients (15%) had colonic histopathology (microscopic colitis in 80 patients, Crohn's disease in 23, melanosis coli in 8, ulcerative colitis in 5, other forms of colitis in 5, and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in 1). A correct assessment of colonic histology (normal or abnormal) could have been made from biopsies of the distal colon in 99.7% of patients. CONCLUSION: In a referral setting, colonic histopathology occurs in 15% of patients with chronic diarrhea without HIV infection. According to this prevalence and the nearly universal diffuse anatomic distribution of colonic disease in these patients, a diagnostic investigation for chronic colonic diarrhea using a 60 cm flexible sigmoidoscope is highly efficient and cost-effective.     

Biopsies of the endoscopically normal rectum and colon: a necessity. Incidence of collagen colitis and microscopic colitis

Collagenous colitis and microscopic colitis are histologic entities which do not have corresponding endoscopic features. Their precise incidence and role in the development of intestinal symptoms are poorly known. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of these histologic abnormalities in patients with endoscopically normal colon and to correlate these findings with abdominal symptoms. Total colonoscopy was performed in 132 consecutive patients, 81 females and 51 males, aged 19 to 83 years (mean: 47.8 years). Patients complained of abdominal pain and/or diarrhea (66 cases), normal bowel transit or constipation (66 cases). Subjects were prepared for colonoscopy with polyethylene glycol 4,000. Three to 8 biopsies were taken from the rectum and the different parts of the colon. Histologic abnormalities were found in 36 patients (27.2 p. 100): collagenous colitis (7 cases), microscopic colitis (21 cases), and melanosis coli (8 cases). The frequency of diarrhea was significantly higher in patients with collagenous colitis and microscopic colitis than in those with melanosis coli or normal colonic mucosa. These results clearly demonstrate that routine biopsies of the rectum and colon are useful in patients with abdominal symptoms, particularly diarrhea, and normal endoscopy.     

Prevalence of microscopic colitis in patients with diarrhea of unknown etiology in Turkey

AIM： To investigate the prevalence and demography of microscopic colitis in patients with diarrhea of unknown etiology and normal colonoscopy in Turkey. METHODS： Between March, 1998 to July, 2005, 129 patients with chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology who had undergone full colonoscopy with no obvious abnormalities were included in the study. Two biopsies were obtained from all colonic segments and terminal ileum for diagnosis of microscopic colitis. On histopathologic examination, criteria for lymphocytic colitis （intraepithelial lymphocyte ≥ 20 per 100 intercryptal epithelial cells, change in surface epithelium, mononuclear infiltration of the lamina propria） and collagenous colitis （subepithelial collagen band thickness ≥ 10 μm） were explored. RESULTS： Lymphocytic colitis was diagnosed in 12 （9%） patients （Female/Male： 7/5, mean age： 45 year, range： 27-63） and collagenous colitis was diagnosed in only 3 （2.5%） patients （all female, mean age： 60 years, range： 54-65）.CONCLUSION： Biopsy of Turkish patients with the diagnosis of chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology and normal colonoscopic findings will reveal microscopic colitis in approximately 10% of the patients. Lymphocytic colitis is 4 times more frequent than collagenous colitis in these patients.     

Colonoscopy and SeHCAT for investigation of chronic diarrhea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic diarrhea is a common problem. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice for diagnosis. Even a macroscopically normal mucosa on endoscopy can have abnormalities such as microscopic colitis and bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The aim of this study was to establish the value of colonoscopy with biopsies in patients with chronic diarrhea and to evaluate the additive value of a SeHCAT test for diagnosing BAM in these patients. METHODS: All patients who underwent a colonoscopy between November 1999 and December 2000 were included. Patient files, colonoscopy and pathology reports and SeHCAT test results were reviewed. RESULTS: 205 patients were included. The most common diagnoses were diarrhea-predominant IBS (n = 76) and IBD (n = 38). 158 patients had non-bloody diarrhea, 113 (72%) of them had a macroscopically normal appearing mucosa. In 40 (35%) of these patients, a histological diagnosis could be made and microscopic colitis was the most common diagnosis (n = 27). SeHCAT test was performed in 36 patients and 15 (42%) of them had BAM. In the 47 patients with bloody diarrhea, IBD was the main diagnosis (n = 23). CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy with biopsies must be performed when investigating chronic diarrhea and BAM should be excluded.     

The diagnostic value of endoscopic terminal ileum biopsies

OBJECTIVES: Biopsy of the terminal ileum (TI) is commonly performed during colonoscopy. The primary utility of this is to diagnose or rule out Crohn's disease in patients with symptoms and/or radiographic findings suggesting this diagnosis. We see many such biopsies in our gastrointestinal pathology service and have been impressed by the subjectively low yield of TI biopsies. Therefore, we studied this to obtain objective data. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 414 consecutive patients with terminal ileal biopsies. Histologic parameters evaluated were primarily those changes diagnostic of chronic inflammation or its sequelae. Histologic findings were then compared with the indication(s) and endoscopic findings. RESULTS: The TI was histologically normal in 82% and endoscopically normal in 81% with most endoscopic abnormals having "ileitis" (13%). Known or strongly suspected inflammatory bowel disease was the most common indication (38%) with Crohn's disease accounting for 20% and ulcerative colitis 16% followed by diarrhea (33%), anemia/hematochezia (15%), abdominal pain (6%), and abnormal imaging (5%). Diagnostic yield varied, with indication and endoscopic findings being highest with known suspected Crohn's disease (40%), abnormal imaging (32%), and with endoscopic "ileitis" (84%) or ulcers/erosions (69%). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic yield of TI biopsy varied with indication and endoscopic findings. Our study indicates that biopsy is of greatest value in patients undergoing endoscopy for known or strongly suspected Crohn's disease, or with an abnormal imaging study of the TI. Biopsy of endoscopically normal mucosa is unlikely to yield diagnostically useful information, and is not encouraged as routine. However, when "ileitis," ulcers, or erosions are identified, biopsies can be very helpful.     

Evaluation of chronic diarrhea in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Chronic diarrhea is a common problem for patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, especially those with advanced disease. The extent of evaluation and whether to do flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and/or upper endoscopy have been areas of significant debate. Based upon the marked improvement in long-term survival since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, a comprehensive evaluation is currently justified. A stepwise approach to the evaluation of chronic diarrhea appears to be the best approach. The first step is a history, with a focus on any association between the onset of diarrhea and the institution of protease inhibitor therapy, which is associated with significant diarrhea in many patients. If there is no temporal association with antiretroviral therapy, the next step is examination of stool for bacterial and protozoal pathogens. If the stool studies are negative, the next step is to proceed to colonoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy alone has been noted to miss up to 39% of cases of cytomegalovirus colitis. The inclusion of ileoscopy and biopsy of the terminal ileum during colonoscopy has a significant yield for microsporidiosis, which may obviate the need for upper endoscopy. The highest yield can be expected in patients with fever, weight loss, and a CD4 count of under 200 cells/mm3, especially those with a CD4 count less than 50 cells/mm3.     

Histologic and colonoscopic assessment of disease extension in ulcerative colitis

A comparison between histologic and colonoscopic extension of ulcerative colitis was made in 107 examinations (83 patients). During colonoscopy signs of inflammation were registered, and biopsy specimens were taken from the following gut segments: rectum, left colon, transverse colon, and right colon. Inflammatory activity in the specimens was graded in accordance with severity in a scale from one to five. Endoscopically, total colitis was seen in 40 examinations but was present in 70 examinations histologically. In 34 of 107 examinations the extension of disease was underestimated at colonoscopy. A slight inflammation existed in those segments that appeared normal colonoscopically. Our conclusion is that the extension of ulcerative colitis often is underestimated endoscopically and that inflammatory activity can be present in mucosa assessed as normal on colonoscopy.     

Diagnostic value of terminal ileum intubation during colonoscopy

Background and Aim: Since the diagnostic value of ileoscopy is not well documented, it is uncertain if terminal ileum intubation should be performed routinely in patients undergoing colonoscopy. We aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of terminal ileum intubation during colonoscopy according to indications for colonoscopy. Methods: We routinely performed terminal ileum intubation in subjects who underwent colonoscopy at Ajou University Hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2005. Demographic data, indications for colonoscopy, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings of the terminal ileum were assessed. Results: A total of 3921 subjects underwent colonoscopy. The terminal ileum was successfully intubated in 3417 cases (87.1%). Macroscopic abnormality on terminal ileum was present in 125 cases (3.7%), and biopsies were taken for all of them. Clinically significant histopathology was observed in 11 cases, giving a 0.3% diagnostic yield in all ileoscopies. Seven out of 11 cases were diagnosed as Crohn's disease. The rate of diagnostic yield was 1.8% in patients with right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain and 0.4% in patients with diarrhea. This rate in cases with RLQ pain was significantly greater compared with the indications for medical check‐ups. Conclusions: Terminal ileum intubation during colonoscopy identifies significant pathology in 1.8% of cases who have RLQ abdominal pain, suggesting diagnostic value in this setting. However, its diagnostic yield is very low in other indications for colonoscopy. Thus the decision to perform ileoscopy or not during colonoscopy needs to be made on a case‐by‐case basis.     

Ileoscopy in 39 hematochezia patients with normal colonoscopy

aim: To assess the role of retrograde terminal ileosco-py in hematochezia patients with normal colonoscopy. METHODS: Between January 1997 and March 2005, 39 hematochezia patients (males 36, females 3, mean age 44.7 years) with a reported normal colonoscopy underwent a repeat colonoscopy. After reaching the cecum, attempt was made to localize the ileocecal valve and intubate the terminal ileum. Any abnormality in the mucosa of the terminal ileum was carefully recorded and biopsies were obtained from suspicious-looking lesions. RESULTS: During the study period there were 39 patients admitted for hematochezia in whom colonoscopy till cecum did not reveal any abnormality. Full-length colonoscopy till the cecum could be performed in all the patients. The terminal ileum could be intu-bated in 36 patients. No abnormality was noted in 31 patients. Ileal ulcers were noted in two patients. Nodularity along with ulceration of the ileal mucosa, a Dieulafoy's lesion, and an angiomatous malformation were noted in one patient each. Histological examination of the biopsies obtained from the ulcers revealed typical tuberculous lesion in the patient with nodularity and ulceration. One of the patients had typhoid ulcers and another had non-specific ulcers. CONCLUSION: Retrograde terminal ileoscopy gives limited but valuable information, in patients with hematochezia and should be attempted in all such patients.     

Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis in an immunocompetent individual

We report a rare case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis in a healthy 57-year-old woman. In March 1999, she developed hematochezia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Total colonoscopy on March 17th showed multiple aphthoid lesions and friable mucosa from the terminal ileum to the rectum and a shallow ulcer on the ileocecal valve. Repeat total colonoscopy on April 19th showed faded aphthoid lesions in the terminal ileum, and biopsy specimen revealed CMV inclusion bodies. Symptoms and endoscopic findings improved without any specific medication. In previous reports, the definition of "immunocompetent individual" varied. Here, we define immunocompetent individual as one who has no associated diseases, is not under immunosuppressive therapy, has no recent history of operation, is negative for human immunodeficiency virus antibody, is not pregnant, has no obvious infectious course, and is less than 70 years of age. This is the ninth report of CMV enterocolitis in an immunocompetent individual in the world literature.     

Microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhea and normal colonoscopic findings in Southern China

Background and objectives

Microscopic colitis includes lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. The entity is considered as an important cause for unknown chronic diarrhea, but rarely reported in China before. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhea and normal colonoscopy findings in Southern China, and to reveal the clinical feature of microscopic colitis in these patients.

Methods

Patients with chronic diarrhea and normal colonoscopic findings were enrolled from three hospitals in Southern China from January, 2009 to June, 2010. Multiple colorectal biopsies were obtained in these patients and histological examination was underwent with hematoxyin and eosin stain, Masson’s trichrome stain and immunohistochemistry for tenascin to screen lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. The clinical symptom and risk factor of microscopic colitis were assessed by comparing with controls. The diagnostic overlap between microscopic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome or functional diarrhea was also analyzed.

Results

Randomly mucosal biopsies were performed in 613 patients with chronic diarrhea and normal or near normal colonoscopic finding. Fifty-nine cases of lymphocytic colitis and 28 cases of collagenous colitis were found by histological examination. The rates of rheumatoid arthritis in lymphocytic colitis group (15.4?%) and collagenous colitis group (14.3?%) were significant higher than in control group (2.2?%). Rheumatoid arthritis was confirmed as the risk factor of microscopic colitis by logistic regression analysis. There was no difference on the symptoms among the controls, patients with lymphocytic colitis, and patients with collagenous colitis. There were 13.8?% (12/87) of patients with microscopic colitis fulfilled Rome III criteria of irritable bowel syndrome and 42.5?% (37/87) fulfilled the criteria of functional diarrhea.

Conclusions

Microscopic colitis is not an uncommon disorder in Chinese population. Rheumatoid arthritis is the risk factor of microscopic colitis. Microscopic colitis has a symptomatic overlap with irritable bowel syndrome and functional diarrhea. It is reasonable to obtain multiple biopsies in patients with chronic diarrhea when the mucosa grossly normal at colonoscopy.     

Terminal ileal photography or biopsy to verify total colonoscopy: does the endoscope agree with the microscope?

BACKGROUND: Various modalities exist to document the extent of colonoscopy, including a terminal ileum (TI) biopsy, which is considered the criterion standard by some authorities. A TI biopsy adds to procedure costs, is potentially hazardous, and the detection of pathology in routinely acquired biopsy specimens of a macroscopically normal TI is limited. A safer, less costly alternative for documenting total colonoscopy is desirable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of TI photography as a means of documenting total colonoscopy. We also assessed the diagnostic yield of TI biopsies in patients with a macroscopically normal TI. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: District general hospital in the United Kingdom. PATIENTS: A total of 232 unselected patients undergoing colonoscopy, TI intubation, photography, and biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Independent, experienced endoscopists were asked to state whether villi (and, therefore, TI entry) were "definitely," "probably," or "definitely not" depicted in TI photographs. This was compared with TI histology as a means of verifying total colonoscopy. The diagnostic yield of biopsy specimens from a macroscopically normal TI was determined. RESULTS: Reviewers agreed that villi were "definitely present" in 93.8%, "probably present" in 5.9%, and "definitely not" present in 0.3% of cases, with excellent interobserver agreement (kappa value = 0.778, P < .0001). TI photographs "definitely" depicting villi (93.8%) did not differ significantly from histology confirming TI mucosa (96.1%, P = .285). Microscopic evidence of pathology was only detectable in 2.3% of patients with an endoscopically normal TI. CONCLUSIONS: TI photography is an effective, safe, and cost-effective means of documenting total colonoscopy. Routine biopsy of a "normal" TI has a low diagnostic yield.     

Cytomegalovirus colitis followed by ischemic colitis in a non-immunocompromised adult:A case report

We report a rare case of cytomegalovirus(CMV) colitis followed by severe ischemic colitis in a nonimmunocompromised patient. An 86-year-old woman was admitted after experiencing episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. The next day, hematochezia was detected without abdominal pain. The initial diagnosis of ischemic colitis was based on colonoscopy and histological findings. The follow-up colonoscopy revealed a prolonged colitis. Immunohistochemical staining detected CMVpositive cells following conservative therapy. Intravenous ganciclovir therapy led to successful healing of ulcers and disappearance of CMV-positive cells. The prevalence of CMV infection is common in adults. CMV colitis is relatively common in immunocompromised patients; however, it is rare in immunocompetent patients. In our case, CMV infection was allowed to be established due to the disruption of the colonic mucosa by the prior severe ischemic colitis. Our experience suggests that biopsies may be necessary to detect CMV and the prompt management of CMV colitis should be instituted when intractable ischemic colitis is observed.     

Histopathology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Esophageal Disease

We evaluated the histopathologic features of the esophageal mucosa in 88 patients seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All patients had an upper endoscopy because of esophageal symptoms. Forceps biopsies and brushings of the esophagus were examined histologically and cytologically for evidence of viral, fungal, and mycobacterial infections: in addition, biopsies and brushings were cultured for cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. Esophageal inflammation (acute or chronic) was graded 0 through 3. Twenty-one patients (24%) had a normal endoscopy; none displayed high grade (grade 2 and 3) acute inflammation and only two (9.5%) had high grade chronic inflammation in the esophagus. Moreover, no fungi or viral inclusions were seen in samples from these patients. Eleven patients (12%) had an abnormal esophageal mucosa but no pathogen detected and were categorized as "idiopathic esophagitis." The percent with high-grade inflammation (27%) was not significantly different from the normal group. Fifty-six patients (64%) had an infectious diagnosis. Forty-six percent had Candida , 16% had viral esophagitis alone, and one patient had Kaposi's sarcoma. Infections were associated with high-grade acute and chronic inflammation in 53% and 47% of patients, respectively. The location of the infiltrate did not predict the type of infection. In conclusion, if esophagoscopy is normal in patients with HIV infection and esophageal symptoms, a biopsy is not necessary.     

异基因造血干细胞移植后肠道病变的内镜表现

目的探讨结肠镜检查在诊断异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）后肠道移植物抗宿主病（GI-GVHD）和巨细胞病毒（CMV）肠炎中的作用。方法回顾性对比分析GI-GVHD、CMV肠炎以及GI-GVHD合并CMV肠炎（GC）的结肠镜检查表现及其相关问题。结果47例患者接受50例次结肠镜检查，其中GI-GVHD32例次，CMV肠炎7例次，GC11例次，他们的一般临床资料具有可比性（P〉0．1）；GI-GVHD、CMV肠炎和GC外周血CMV-DNA阳性率分别为28．1％、42．9％和27．3％，三组间差异没有统计学意义（P〉0．1）；肠镜下GI-GVHD和CMV肠炎都有结肠黏膜病变，病变表现呈多样性，除黏膜龟纹样改变和深在溃疡分别是GI-GVHD和CMV肠炎较为特异的病变外，黏膜水肿、红斑、充血、糜烂及浅表溃疡均不能区分GI-GVHD和CMV肠炎；3例GI-GVHD有伪膜形成，1例CMV肠炎有疱疹样黏膜隆起，GC患者容易发生回肠黏膜活动性渗血和回盲瓣炎症。GI-GVHD、CMV肠炎和GC分别有63．8％、70．0％和43．8％的活检标本取自直乙状结肠。结论allo-HSCT患者外周血CMV—DNA检查难以区分GI—GVHD和CMV肠炎；黏膜龟纹样改变和深在溃疡分别是GI-GVHD和CMV肠炎较为特异的改变；GC患者更容易发生回肠黏膜渗血和回盲瓣炎症。左半结肠检查及组织活检能诊断大部分GVHD和CMV感染，但最好进行全结肠检查并到达回肠末端。     

Fractured colon: an endoscopically distinctive lesion associated with colonic perforation following colonoscopy in patients with collagenous colitis

BACKGROUND: Collagenous colitis is characterized by collagen deposition in the superficial colonic mucosa, beneath the surface epithelium, resulting in chronic nonbloody diarrhea of variable severity. The mucosa generally appears endoscopically normal. METHODS: We report the occurrence of distinctive linear mucosal tears, unassociated with trauma, in 4 patients during diagnostic colonoscopy. The patients' tissue specimens were examined histologically, and clinical courses were recorded. OBSERVATIONS: Recognition of linear "fractures" was followed in 3 patients by colonic perforation. One patient required colectomy. Severe collagenous colitis was present in all. The resection specimen contained shallow linear ulcers overlying fibrotic submucosa, with pneumatosis and acute peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: We theorize that the stiffness of the colon in areas of collagenous colitis with submucosal fibrosis makes it susceptible to linear "fractures" during colonoscopic air insufflation with subsequent transmural air dissection. We urge extreme caution if this lesion is recognized at colonoscopy and recommend aborting the examination and obtaining plain radiographs to detect free intraperitoneal air.     

Is Ileoscopy With Biopsy Worthwhile in Patients Presenting With Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Objective : To assess the value of adding ileoscopy with biopsy to colonoscopy, hence increasing the indications for ileoscopy in patients presenting with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Methods : Two hundred fifty-seven patients with persistent diarrhea and 43 patients with sporadic colonic polyps were studied prospectively. The final diagnosis based on clinical and follow-up data, the histology of multiple ileal biopsies, and endoscopic findings were analyzed. Results : Endoscopic lesions of the terminal ileum were found in 123 of 300 patients. In the 43 patients with colonic polyps, no ileal lesions were seen. Ileal disease without colonic involvement was present in 44 of 123 patients. Microscopic lesions of the ileum were present in 125 of 300, or in 125 of 257 (49%) with symptoms of diarrhea. Two of these had a normal endoscopy. Thirteen patients had a diffuse colitis and 11 had a predominantly left-sided colitis, both originally suggestive of ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease was diagnosed in 88 patients and infectious disease in 17. Ileal biopsies were essential for the diagnosis in 15 patients and were contributive in 53. Granulomas, solitary giant cells, pseudopyloric gland metaplasia, eosinophils, and a disturbed villous architecture were the most important lesions observed in Crohn's disease and were contributive for this diagnosis. Conclusions : Ileoscopy with biopsy is useful in carefully selected patients presenting with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. The main indications are diagnosis of isolated ileal disease in the presence of a normal colon and differential diagnosis in patients with pancolitis and predominantly left-sided colitis. Multiple biopsy specimens show definite pathology in almost half of the patients.     

A colorectal mosaic pattern might be an endoscopic feature of collagenous colitis

Background and aimsThe endoscopic aspect of the colorectal mucosa in those patients with collagenous colitis is usually normal, or with non-specific changes. Until now it had never been related to a mucosal pattern of mosaic type. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the presence of mosaic pattern in the colorectal mucosa for collagenous colitis.MethodsPatients who had undergone a colonoscopy with random biopsies performed in the diagnostic evaluation of chronic diarrhea between 2004 and 2008 were studied. We defined patients with chronic diarrhea and mosaic mucosal pattern as “cases”, and patients with chronic diarrhea without mosaic pattern as “controls”. The odds ratio (OR) of finding a collagenous colitis in view of a mosaic pattern in colon was determined; as well as sensitivity and specificity; positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR?), considering this finding as a diagnostic instrument for collagenous colitis.Results252 patients who had undergone colonoscopý with biopsy due to chronic diarrhea were analyzed. In 6 patients, a mosaic pattern was identified in the colorectal mucosa. The histological diagnose of 36 of the 252 patients (14%) was microscopic colitis, 27 of which (11%) had collagenous colitis. The colonoscopy was found normal in 21 of these 27 patients; in 2 patients, congestion or petechiae was found in the rectum; and in 4 patients (15%), all women, a mosaic pattern was found in the rectosigmoid mucosa. The OR of this finding was 19.4 (CI95% 3.9–95.4) for collagenous colitis. It had a sensitivity of 14.8% (CI95% 6.8–20), a specificity of 99.1% (CI95% 98.2–99.7), LR+ of 16.6 (CI95% 3.7–76.4), and LR? of 0.86 (CI95% 0.80–0.95) for a collagenous colitis.ConclusionThe mosaic pattern in the colorectal mucosa of patients studied due to chronic diarrhea could be a distinguishing feature of collagenous colitis.