Microscopic colitis

Abstract

Collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), known collectively as microscopic colitis (MC), are important causes of diarrhoea in older people. MC is commoner in old age than was previously reported, with an overall point prevalence of around 100 per 100,000 in recent studies, and 5 times higher incidence in those over the age of 65 years. Diagnosis can be confirmed by colonic biopsy. Many cases resolve spontaneously. However, there is evidence the treatment with budesonide can shorten the illness and reduce the likelihood of relapse. It is important to include MC in the differential diagnosis of diarrhoea in old age. © 2011 Rila Publications Ltd.