., J.K. TriantafillidisSUMMARY Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two chronic inflammatory conditions, involving the large bowel. These two interesting entities, are usually referred to under the general term microscopic colitis. Collagenous colitis is characterized by watery diarrhea, abdominal bloating and mild loss of weight. The true incidence is unknown. However, it has been estimated that it is unlikely to exceed one case per 100000 population. The etiology is unknown, although the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and lansoprazole, as well as infection by Yersinia enterocolitica have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. The role of activated eosinophils seems to be quite important. Diagnosis requires the histological detection of a thick subepithelial collagen band on large bowel mucosa biopsies. Treatment includes the administration of mesalamine, corticosteroids, budesonide, cholestyramine, as well as methotrexate, pendoxyphylline and octeotride. Surgery is reserved for severe cases. The course of the disease seems to be quite benign. Although most patients relapse after treatment cessation, most are asymptomatic for a long period of time after the establishment of diagnosis. Progression to ulcerative colitis occurs although in only a small percentage of patients. Fortunately no association with intestinal or extraintestinal cancers has been found. Key words: Collagenous colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, Microscopic colitis, Lymphocytic colitisapplication/pdfhttp://www.annalsgastro.gr/index.php/annalsgastro/article/view/231engHellenic Society of Gastroenterology1792-74631108-7471Annals of Gastroenterology; Volume 16, No 4 (2003)Collagenous colitis: Recent developmentsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion2007-03-19Δημοσίευση σε περιοδικόPublication in journalΓαστροεντερολογίαGastroenterologyisi -Gastroenterology & Hepatology covers resources on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology of the digestive system. This category includes specific resources on the prognosis and treatment of digestive diseases; stomach ulcers; metabolic, genetic, infectious and chemically induced diseases of the liver; colitis; diseases of the pancreas and diseases of the rectum.Επιστημονικό άρθροScientific articleΕλληνική Γαστροεντερολογική ΕταιρίαGreek Aggregator OpenArchives.gr | National Documentation Centre (EKT)other