Eosinophilic colitis

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Eosinophilic colitis, abbreviated EC, is an inflammatory process involving the colon (colitis) characterized by abundant eosinophils.

Eosinophilic colitis
Diagnosis in short

Eosinophilic colitis. H&E stain.

LM abundant eosinophils - no agreed upon number - "most use 20/HPF", there is variation along the large bowel - normal in rectum <10/HPF, normal in cecum <30/HPF
Site colon

Blood work +/-eosinophilia
Treatment dependent on underlying cause

Eosinophilic proctitis redirects to this article, as the histology is quite similar.

General

Clinical features:[1]

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea +/-blood.
  • +/-Weight loss.

Gross

Features - endoscopic:[1]

  • Edema.
  • Granular appearance.

Microscopic

Features:[1]

  • Abundant eosinophils - no agreed upon number.
    • "Most use 20/HPF" [2] - a definition that suffers from HPFitis.
      • There is variation along the large bowel - normal in rectum <10/HPF, normal in cecum <30/HPF.[2]

DDx:[1]

Images

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DESCENDING COLON, BIOPSY:
- COLONIC MUCOSA WITH MILD EOSINOPHILIA, SEE COMMENT.
- NEGATIVE FOR DYSPLASIA.

COMMENT:
Focally, there are up to 40 eosinophils / 0.2376 mm*mm (approx. field area at 400X). This
is a non-specific finding. No eosinophilic crypt abscesses are seen. No (neutrophilic)
cryptitis is present. Clinical correlation is suggested.
DESCENDING COLON, BIOPSY:
- COLONIC MUCOSA WITH MILD EOSINOPHILIA, SEE COMMENT.
- NEGATIVE FOR ACTIVE COLITIS.
- NEGATIVE FOR DYSPLASIA.

COMMENT:
There are up to 40 eosinophils / 0.2376 mm*mm (field area at 400X). This is a 
non-specific finding.  The differential diagnosis includes inflammatory bowel 
disease, infection (especially helminths), a drug reaction, and autoimmune 
disorders (e.g. Churg-Strauss syndrome, celiac disease, scleroderma). Clinical 
correlation is required.

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Alfadda, AA.; Storr, MA.; Shaffer, EA. (2011). "Eosinophilic colitis: an update on pathophysiology and treatment.". Br Med Bull 100: 59-72. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldr045. PMC 3165205. PMID 22012125. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165205/.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Okpara, N.; Aswad, B.; Baffy, G. (Jun 2009). "Eosinophilic colitis.". World J Gastroenterol 15 (24): 2975-9. PMC 2702104. PMID 19554649. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702104/.