Lymphocytic colitis
| Lymphocytic colitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Micrograph of lymphocytic colitis. HPS stain. | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology  |
Lymphocytic colitis is a subtype of microscopic colitis, a condition characterized by chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea.[1][2]
Causes
No definite cause has been determined. The peak incidence of lymphocytic colitis is in persons over age 50; the disease affects women and men equally. Some reports have implicated long-term usage of
autoimmune disorders suggests that overactive immune responses occur.[3]
Diagnosis
The
lymphocytes in the colonic epithelium and connective tissue (lamina propria). Collagenous colitis shares this feature but additionally shows a distinctive thickening of the subepithelial collagen table.[1][2]
Treatment
Budesonide, in colonic release preparations, has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be effective in treating this disorder.[4][5]
Over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugs may be effective for some people with lymphocytic colitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as
corticosteroids may be prescribed for people who do not respond to other drug treatment. The long-term prognosis for this disease is good with a proportion of people suffering relapses which respond to treatment.[1]
History
Lymphocytic colitis was first described in 1989.[6]