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Malik A, Nadeem M, Javaid S, Malik MI, Enofe I, Abegunde AT. Estimating the optimum number of colon biopsies for diagnosing microscopic colitis: a systematic review. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 34:733-738. [PMID: 35170530 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microscopic colitis (MC) is an inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by persistent watery, nonbloody diarrhea. Subtypes of MC include collagenous and lymphocytic MC. Microscopic examination of colon tissue is crucial to confirming the diagnosis because the colonic mucosa often appears normal during flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. We aim to determine the optimal sites and minimum number of colon biopsies required to diagnose MC from published studies. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception until October 2020 using the following keywords: microscopic, lymphocytic, collagenous, colitis, biopsy, and biopsies. We screened the search results for eligibility and extracted data from the included studies. We pooled the numbers of biopsies provided by each study to calculate the mean number of biopsies, SD, and SEM. We included three retrospective cohort studies with 356 patients (148 collagenous, 192 lymphocytic, and 16 mixed), and the total number of biopsies were 1854. The mean number of biopsies that were recommended by the included studies are 4, 4, and 9, respectively. The pooled mean ± SD is 5.67 ± 2.89. The included studies reported that biopsies from the ascending colon (AC) and descending colon (DC) had the highest diagnostic rates. To ensure a high level of certainty in diagnosing MC, a total of six biopsies should be taken from the AC and DC (3 AC and 3 DC). However, special care should be directed toward differentiating MC from other forms of colitis. In addition, detailed and comparative studies are needed to provide stronger recommendations to diagnose MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Malik
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Mahum Nadeem
- Department of1 Medicine, Oklahoma University Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sadia Javaid
- Department of Medicine, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Malik
- Department of Hematology Specialty, Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Ikponmwosa Enofe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Ayokunle T Abegunde
- Division of Gastroenterology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Miehlke S, Guagnozzi D, Zabana Y, Tontini GE, Kanstrup Fiehn A, Wildt S, Bohr J, Bonderup O, Bouma G, D'Amato M, Heiberg Engel PJ, Fernandez‐Banares F, Macaigne G, Hjortswang H, Hultgren‐Hörnquist E, Koulaouzidis A, Kupcinskas J, Landolfi S, Latella G, Lucendo A, Lyutakov I, Madisch A, Magro F, Marlicz W, Mihaly E, Munck LK, Ostvik A, Patai ÁV, Penchev P, Skonieczna‐Żydecka K, Verhaegh B, Münch A. European guidelines on microscopic colitis: United European Gastroenterology and European Microscopic Colitis Group statements and recommendations. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 9:13-37. [PMID: 33619914 PMCID: PMC8259259 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620951905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterised by normal or almost normal endoscopic appearance of the colon, chronic watery, nonbloody diarrhoea and distinct histological abnormalities, which identify three histological subtypes, the collagenous colitis, the lymphocytic colitis and the incomplete microscopic colitis. With ongoing uncertainties and new developments in the clinical management of microscopic colitis, there is a need for evidence-based guidelines to improve the medical care of patients suffering from this disorder. METHODS Guidelines were developed by members from the European Microscopic Colitis Group and United European Gastroenterology in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Following a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Statements and recommendations were developed by working groups consisting of gastroenterologists, pathologists and basic scientists, and voted upon using the Delphi method. RESULTS These guidelines provide information on epidemiology and risk factors of microscopic colitis, as well as evidence-based statements and recommendations on diagnostic criteria and treatment options, including oral budesonide, bile acid binders, immunomodulators and biologics. Recommendations on the clinical management of microscopic colitis are provided based on evidence, expert opinion and best clinical practice. CONCLUSION These guidelines may support clinicians worldwide to improve the clinical management of patients with microscopic colitis.
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Fiehn AMK, Miehlke S, Aust D, Vieth M, Bonderup O, Fernández-Bañares F, Mihaly E, Kupcinskas J, Madisch A, Munck LK, Nacak T, Mohrbacher R, Mueller R, Greinwald R, Münch A. Distribution of histopathological features along the colon in microscopic colitis. Int J Colorectal Dis 2021; 36:151-159. [PMID: 32920702 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-020-03747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The diagnosis microscopic colitis (MC) consisting of collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC) relies on histological assessment of mucosal biopsies from the colon. The optimal biopsy strategy for reliable diagnosis of MC is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of histopathological features of MC throughout the colon. METHODS Mucosal biopsies from multiple colonic segments of patients with MC who participated in one of the three prospective European multicenter trials were analyzed. Histological slides were stained with hematoxylin-and-eosin, a connective tissue stain, and CD3 in selected cases. RESULTS In total, 255 patients were included, 199 and 56 patients with CC and LC, respectively. Both groups exhibited a gradient with more pronounced inflammation in the lamina propria in the proximal colon compared with the distal colon. Similarly, the thickness of the subepithelial collagenous band in CC showed a gradient with higher values in the proximal colon. The mean number of intraepithelial lymphocytes was > 20 in all colonic segments in patients within both subgroups. Biopsies from 86 to 94% of individual segments were diagnostic, rectum excluded. Biopsies from non-diagnostic segments often showed features of another subgroup of MC. CONCLUSION Conclusively, although the severity of the histological changes in MC differed in the colonic mucosa, the minimum criteria required for the diagnosis were present in the random biopsies from the majority of segments. Thus, our findings show MC to be a pancolitis, rectum excluded, questioning previously proclaimed patchiness throughout the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn
- Department of Pathology and Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Stephan Miehlke
- Center for Digestive Diseases, Internal Medicine Center Eppendorf & Center for Esophageal Disorders, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Aust
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Institute for Pathology, Klinikum Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ole Bonderup
- Diagnostic Center, Silkeborg Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Fernando Fernández-Bañares
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa, Terrassa, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Terrassa, Spain
| | - Emese Mihaly
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Juozas Kupcinskas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ahmed Madisch
- Department of Gastroenterology, CRH Clinic Siloah, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Kristian Munck
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Münch
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Virine B, Chande N, Driman DK. Biopsies From Ascending and Descending Colon Are Sufficient for Diagnosis of Microscopic Colitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:2003-2009. [PMID: 32109628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Lymphocytic and collagenous colitis are types of microscopic colitis (MC) that commonly cause chronic watery diarrhea, but there are no macroscopic features of MC that can be detected during colonoscopy. Endoscopists therefore often collect multiple random colonic biopsies, potentially oversampling, increasing times of colonoscopy and slide review. We sought to identify sites from which biopsies could be taken and analyzed to identify patients with MC with a high level of sensitivity and determine the appropriate number of biopsies to take at these sites. METHODS We performed a retrospective study using biopsies from 101 consecutive patients with MC (52 cases of collagenous colitis, 42 cases of lymphocytic colitis, 7 combined cases), without comorbidities, from 2017 through 2018. Slides were reviewed, and the proportion of biopsies that were diagnostic of MC were calculated at each biopsy site. RESULTS The proportions of biopsy fragments from each site of the colon found to be positive for MC were as follows: cecum, 90.0%; ascending colon, 96.9%; hepatic flexure, 77.8%; transverse colon, 95.7%; splenic flexure, 75.0%; descending colon, 85.0%; sigmoid colon, 90.9%; and rectum, 82.2%. For biopsies labeled random, 95.7% were positive for MC. When findings from ascending and descending colon biopsies were combined, 100% of MC cases were detected. CONCLUSIONS MC can be detected with certainty by analyzing biopsies from the ascending and descending colon. Fewer biopsies than were collected from our cases are sufficient for diagnosis. We propose a Western protocol (taking 2 biopsies from each of the ascending and descending colon) in evaluation of patients for MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Virine
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nilesh Chande
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David K Driman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Kanstrup Fiehn AM, Heiberg Engel PJ, Lanzarotto F, Goudkade D, Landolfi S, Munck LK, Villanacci V. Topographical distribution of microscopic colitis and the importance of orientation of paraffin-embedded biopsies. Hum Pathol 2020; 103:63-71. [PMID: 32673680 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of microscopic colitis (MC) relies on specific histopathological findings in colon biopsies. The number of biopsies needed to diagnose MC remains disputed. The aim of the study was to determine the number and site of biopsies necessary for the diagnosis and the effect of perpendicular orientation when embedding the biopsies. This retrospective multicenter European study included 42 patients with a consensus diagnosis of collagenous colitis (CC), 51 patients with lymphocytic colitis (LC), and three patients with incomplete LC (LCi). The number of individual diagnostic biopsies from each patient was determined. The diagnostic rate of 744 individual biopsies from 96 patients with MC was 69.5% for the specific MC subgroup, 79.4% for MC and 93.4% for MC plus incomplete MC (MCi). The risk of missing a diagnosis of the specific subgroup of MC when analyzing four biopsies was 0.87%, decreasing to 0.18% for MC and 0.0019% for MC plus MCi. More biopsies from the right colon were diagnostic of the specific MC subgroup (76.3% vs. 64.0%, p = 0.0014). Perpendicular orientation of biopsies increased the diagnostic rate of the specific MC subgroup (73.1% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.0201). Histological changes diagnostic of MC were present in almost all biopsies from the right colon, with orientated biopsies more often being diagnostic of the specific MC subgroup. The results of this study indicate that four biopsies from the colon, rectum excluded, are sufficient to diagnose MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn
- Department of Pathology and Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital Roskilde, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Danny Goudkade
- Department of Pathology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, 6162 BG, Geleen, the Netherlands.
| | - Stefania Landolfi
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, CIBERONC, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lars Kristian Munck
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Zealand University Hospital Koege, 4600 Koege, Denmark.
| | - Vincenzo Villanacci
- Institute of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia BS, Italy.
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Arasaradnam RP, Walters JRF. Role of endoscopy in chronic diarrhoea when functional bowel disease is suspected. Gut 2020; 69:190-191. [PMID: 30510109 PMCID: PMC6943242 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-317730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh P Arasaradnam
- Department of Academic Gastroenterology, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK,Applied Biological Sciences, University of Coventry, Coventry, UK,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK,University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Cross AJ, Wooldrage K, Robbins EC, Pack K, Brown JP, Hamilton W, Thompson MR, Flashman KG, Halligan S, Thomas-Gibson S, Vance M, Saunders BP, Atkin W. Whole-colon investigation vs. flexible sigmoidoscopy for suspected colorectal cancer based on presenting symptoms and signs: a multicentre cohort study. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:154-164. [PMID: 30563992 PMCID: PMC6342953 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) usually undergo colonoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) may be preferred if proximal cancer risk is low. We investigated which patients could undergo FS alone. METHODS Cohort study of 7375 patients (≥55 years) referred with suspected CRC to 21 English hospitals (2004-2007), followed using hospital records and cancer registries. We calculated yields and number of needed whole-colon examinations (NNE) to diagnose one cancer by symptoms/signs and subsite. We considered narrow (haemoglobin <11 g/dL men; <10 g/dL women) and broad (<13 g/dL men; <12 g/dL women) anaemia definitions and iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). RESULTS One hundred and twenty-seven proximal and 429 distal CRCs were diagnosed. A broad anaemia definition identified 80% of proximal cancers; a narrow definition with IDA identified 39%. In patients with broad definition anaemia and/or abdominal mass, proximal cancer yield and NNE were 4.8% (97/2022) and 21. In patients without broad definition anaemia and/or abdominal mass, with rectal bleeding or increased stool frequency (41% of cohort), proximal cancer yield and NNE were 0.4% (13/3031) and 234. CONCLUSION Most proximal cancers are accompanied by broad definition anaemia. In patients without broad definition anaemia and/or abdominal mass, with rectal bleeding or increased stool frequency, proximal cancer is rare and FS should suffice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Kate Wooldrage
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emma C Robbins
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin Pack
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy P Brown
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - William Hamilton
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael R Thompson
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Karen G Flashman
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Steve Halligan
- University College London Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Margaret Vance
- Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Wendy Atkin
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Arasaradnam RP, Brown S, Forbes A, Fox MR, Hungin P, Kelman L, Major G, O'Connor M, Sanders DS, Sinha R, Smith SC, Thomas P, Walters JRF. Guidelines for the investigation of chronic diarrhoea in adults: British Society of Gastroenterology, 3rd edition. Gut 2018; 67:1380-1399. [PMID: 29653941 PMCID: PMC6204957 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-315909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic diarrhoea is a common problem, hence clear guidance on investigations is required. This is an updated guideline from 2003 for the investigations of chronic diarrhoea commissioned by the Clinical Services and Standards Committee of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). This document has undergone significant revision in content through input by 13 members of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) representing various institutions. The GRADE system was used to appraise the quality of evidence and grading of recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh P Arasaradnam
- University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Coventry, Coventry, UK
- Clinical Sciences Research Institute, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | | | - Alastair Forbes
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Mark R Fox
- University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Abdominal Centre, St Claraspital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pali Hungin
- School of Medicine, Pharmacy & Health, University of Durham, Durham, UK
| | | | - Giles Major
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Rakesh Sinha
- Department of Radiology, South Warwickshire Hospitals, Warwick, UK
| | - Stephen Charles Smith
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Midlands and NW Bowel Cancer Screening Hub, Rugby, UK
| | - Paul Thomas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Musgrave Park Hospital, Taunton, UK
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Atkin W, Wooldrage K, Shah U, Skinner K, Brown JP, Hamilton W, Kralj-Hans I, Thompson MR, Flashman KG, Halligan S, Thomas-Gibson S, Vance M, Cross AJ. Is whole-colon investigation by colonoscopy, computerised tomography colonography or barium enema necessary for all patients with colorectal cancer symptoms, and for which patients would flexible sigmoidoscopy suffice? A retrospective cohort study. Health Technol Assess 2017; 21:1-80. [PMID: 29153075 PMCID: PMC5712787 DOI: 10.3310/hta21660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients referred to hospital with suspected colorectal cancer (CRC), it is current standard clinical practice to conduct an examination of the whole colon and rectum. However, studies have shown that an examination of the distal colorectum using flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) can be a safe and clinically effective investigation for some patients. These findings require validation in a multicentre study. OBJECTIVES To investigate the links between patient symptoms at presentation and CRC risk by subsite, and to provide evidence of whether or not FS is an effective alternative to whole-colon investigation (WCI) in patients whose symptoms do not suggest proximal or obstructive disease. DESIGN A multicentre retrospective study using data collected prospectively from two randomised controlled trials. Additional data were collected from trial diagnostic procedure reports and hospital records. CRC diagnoses within 3 years of referral were sourced from hospital records and national cancer registries via the Health and Social Care Information Centre. SETTING Participants were recruited to the two randomised controlled trials from 21 NHS hospitals in England between 2004 and 2007. PARTICIPANTS Men and women aged ≥ 55 years referred to secondary care for the investigation of symptoms suggestive of CRC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Diagnostic yield of CRC at distal (to the splenic flexure) and proximal subsites by symptoms/clinical signs at presentation. RESULTS The data set for analysis comprised 7380 patients, of whom 59% were women (median age 69 years, interquartile range 62-76 years). Change in bowel habit (CIBH) was the most frequently presenting symptom (73%), followed by rectal bleeding (38%) and abdominal pain (29%); 26% of patients had anaemia. CRC was diagnosed in 551 patients (7.5%): 424 (77%) patients with distal CRC, 122 (22%) patients with cancer proximal to the descending colon and five patients with both proximal and distal CRC. Proximal cancer was diagnosed in 96 out of 2021 (4.8%) patients with anaemia and/or an abdominal mass. The yield of proximal cancer in patients without anaemia or an abdominal mass who presented with rectal bleeding with or without a CIBH or with a CIBH to looser and/or more frequent stools as a single symptom was low (0.5%). These low-risk groups for proximal cancer accounted for 41% (3032/7380) of the cohort; only three proximal cancers were diagnosed in 814 low-risk patients examined by FS (diagnostic yield 0.4%). LIMITATIONS A limitation to this study is that changes to practice since the trial ended, such as new referral guidelines and improvements in endoscopy quality, potentially weaken the generalisability of our findings. CONCLUSIONS Symptom profiles can be used to determine whether or not WCI is necessary. Most proximal cancers were diagnosed in patients who presented with anaemia and/or an abdominal mass. In patients without anaemia or an abdominal mass, proximal cancer diagnoses were rare in those with rectal bleeding with or without a CIBH or with a CIBH to looser and/or more frequent stools as a single symptom. FS alone should be a safe and clinically effective investigation in these patients. A cost-effectiveness analysis of symptom-based tailoring of diagnostic investigations for CRC is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN95152621. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 66. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Atkin
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Wooldrage
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Urvi Shah
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Skinner
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy P Brown
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Willie Hamilton
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Ines Kralj-Hans
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael R Thompson
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Karen G Flashman
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Steve Halligan
- University College London Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Siwan Thomas-Gibson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Margaret Vance
- Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Chronic Diarrhea: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:182-193.e3. [PMID: 27496381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic diarrhea is a common problem affecting up to 5% of the population at a given time. Patients vary in their definition of diarrhea, citing loose stool consistency, increased frequency, urgency of bowel movements, or incontinence as key symptoms. Physicians have used increased frequency of defecation or increased stool weight as major criteria and distinguish acute diarrhea, often due to self-limited, acute infections, from chronic diarrhea, which has a broader differential diagnosis, by duration of symptoms; 4 weeks is a frequently used cutoff. Symptom clusters and settings can be used to assess the likelihood of particular causes of diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome can be distinguished from some other causes of chronic diarrhea by the presence of pain that peaks before defecation, is relieved by defecation, and is associated with changes in stool form or frequency (Rome criteria). Patients with chronic diarrhea usually need some evaluation, but history and physical examination may be sufficient to direct therapy in some. For example, diet, medications, and surgery or radiation therapy can be important causes of chronic diarrhea that can be suspected on the basis of history alone. Testing is indicated when alarm features are present, when there is no obvious cause evident, or the differential diagnosis needs further delineation. Testing of blood and stool, endoscopy, imaging studies, histology, and physiological testing all have roles to play but are not all needed in every patient. Categorizing patients after limited testing may allow more directed testing and more rapid diagnosis. Empiric antidiarrheal therapy can be used to mitigate symptoms in most patients for whom a specific treatment is not available.
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Riddle MS, DuPont HL, Connor BA. ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Acute Diarrheal Infections in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2016; 111:602-22. [PMID: 27068718 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute diarrheal infections are a common health problem globally and among both individuals in the United States and traveling to developing world countries. Multiple modalities including antibiotic and non-antibiotic therapies have been used to address these common infections. Information on treatment, prevention, diagnostics, and the consequences of acute diarrhea infection has emerged and helps to inform clinical management. In this ACG Clinical Guideline, the authors present an evidence-based approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of acute diarrhea infection in both US-based and travel settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Riddle
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Herbert L DuPont
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bradley A Connor
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
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