Collagenous enterocolitis: a manifestation of gluten-sensitive enteropathy

J Clin Gastroenterol. 1992 Jul;15(1):45-51.

Abstract

We report coexistent collagenous colitis and collagenous sprue in a 62-year-old woman with diarrhea. Investigations suggested malabsorption, and small intestinal biopsies demonstrated a flattened mucosa with subepithelial collagen deposition. Colonic biopsies also showed a thickened subepithelial collagen band as well as a striking lamina propria inflammatory cell infiltrate. Symptomatic remission was induced with a gluten/lactose-free diet, oral prednisone, and sulfasalazine and has been maintained with gluten restriction alone. Repeat biopsies after 2 months demonstrated restoration of normal small intestinal and colonic collagen bands; only a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate (consistent with microscopic/lymphocytic colitis) persisted in colonic biopsies. We propose that, in this instance, collagenous enterocolitis represented a diffuse manifestation of gluten sensitivity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Celiac Disease / complications
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Celiac Disease / metabolism
  • Chronic Disease
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Colon / metabolism
  • Colon / pathology
  • Duodenitis / diagnosis*
  • Duodenitis / etiology
  • Duodenitis / metabolism
  • Duodenum / metabolism
  • Duodenum / pathology
  • Enterocolitis / diagnosis*
  • Enterocolitis / etiology
  • Enterocolitis / metabolism
  • Female
  • Glutens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Jejunal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Jejunal Diseases / etiology
  • Jejunal Diseases / metabolism
  • Jejunum / metabolism
  • Jejunum / pathology
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Glutens
  • Collagen