Histopathological evaluation of ulcerative colitis in colonoscopic biopsies

Authors

  • R Dhakhwa Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • HG Shrestha
  • IL Acharya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v6i11.15676

Keywords:

Cryptitis, Backwash ileitis, Basal plasmacytosis, Inlammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background: Histopathologic evaluation of colonoscopic mucosal biopsy remains one of the earliest modalities of investigation in patients clinically suspected of ulcerative colitis. Pathologists should be aware of classical histomorphological features to avoid misdiagnosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate histopathologic features as well as to determine possible atypical presentation.

Materials and Methods: Forty newly diagnosed cases of ulcerative colitis were included in the study. Colonoscopic biopsies taken from rectum as well as various areas of colon and ileum depending upon clinical extent of involvement were submitted for histopathological evaluation. Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made by correlating clinical, endoscopic and histopathologic findings.

Results: Out of 47 cases suspected of ulcerative colitis, histopathologic features were consistent with Ulcerative colitis in 40 cases. Almost all cases (97.5%) showed diffuse active colitis. Cryptitis (100%), crypt abscesses (75%) and basal plasmacytosis (85%) along with crypt architectural abnormalities (75%) and goblet cell depletion (70%) were classical histological changes associated with ulcerative colitis in active phase.  Atypical presentations noticed were focal active colitis (2.5%), backwash ileitis (2.5%), rectal sparing (2.5%) and skip areas (5%).

Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis of ulcerative colitis requires elaborate knowledge of histopathologic features along with awareness of possible atypical presentation.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
736
PDF
2506

Author Biography

R Dhakhwa, Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal

Pathology

Downloads

Published

2016-03-17

How to Cite

Dhakhwa, R., Shrestha, H., & Acharya, I. (2016). Histopathological evaluation of ulcerative colitis in colonoscopic biopsies. Journal of Pathology of Nepal, 6(11), 932–936. https://doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v6i11.15676

Issue

Section

Original Articles