microscopic colitis


microscopic colitis

A term of art referring to two distinct conditions clinically characterised by chronic watery diarrhoea and normal colonoscopy and separated based on histopathologic differences: a submucosal band of collagen (collagenous colitis) or a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the mucosa (lymphocytic colitis).

microscopic colitis

Abbreviation: MC
Either of two forms of colitis (collagenous and lymphocytic), in which people have chronic, watery diarrhea despite having normal-appearing bowels during endoscopy or radiologic study. See also: colitis

microscopic colitis

A collective term for collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Once considered rare gastrointestinal disorders, these conditions are now known to be relatively common and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent watery diarrhoea without blood. Most cases resolve spontaneously but treatment with budesonide and bismuth subsalicylate may be necessary.