Olmesartan-associated enteropathy: results of a national survey

Diagnosis of Seronegative and Ultrashort Celiac Disease

In its conventional form, celiac disease (CeD) is characterized by both positive serology and flat villi in the duodenum, and is well known by gastroenterologists and general practitioners. The aim of this review was to shed light on 2 neglected and not yet well-defined celiac phenotypes, that is, seronegative and ultrashort CeD. Seronegative CeD can be suspected in the presence of flat villi, positive HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8, and the absence of CeD antibodies. After ruling out other seronegative enteropathies, the diagnosis can be confirmed by both clinical and histologic improvements after 1 year of a gluten-free diet. Ultrashort CeD is characterized by the finding of flat villi in the duodenal bulb in the absence of mucosal damage in the distal duodenum and with serologic positivity. Data on the prevalence, clinical manifestations, histologic lesions, genetic features, and outcome of seronegative and ultrashort CeD are inconclusive due to the few studies available and the small number of patients diagnosed. Some additional diagnostic tools have been developed recently, such as assessing intestinal transglutaminase 2 deposits, flow cytometry technique, microRNA detection, or proteomic analysis, and they seem to be useful in the identification of complex cases. Further cooperative studies are highly desirable to improve the knowledge of these 2 still-obscure variants of CeD.

Systematic review: Clinical phenotypes, histopathological features and prognosis of enteropathy due to angiotensin II receptor blockers

BACKGROUND

Although enteropathy due to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) has been known for over 10 years, clinicians' awareness of this condition is still low.

AIMS

To systematically review the literature about clinical phenotypes, distribution of mucosal changes throughout the gastrointestinal tract and prognosis of enteropathy due to ARBs.

METHODS

According to PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase for relevant articles up to November 6, 2023. We included full-text papers, letters, case reports and case series describing enteropathy due to ARBs. Patients were classified into subgroups based on endoscopic and histological findings of different regions of the gastrointestinal tract. The protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TK67C).

RESULTS

We included 94 articles reporting 183 cases (101 female, mean age at diagnosis 69 ± 10 years). The clinical picture at diagnosis was characterised by severe diarrhoea (97%) and weight loss (84%, median -13 kg), leading to hospital admission in 167 (95%) patients. Olmesartan (90%) was most frequently implicated. Villous atrophy (VA) was reported in 164/183 (89%) patients. One hundred and nine had only VA, 12 had pan-gastrointestinal involvement, 23 had VA and gastric involvement and 19 had VA and colon involvement (predominantly microscopic colitis). Outcomes were reported for 178/183 (97%) patients, who all recovered clinically on ARBs withdrawal. Histological recovery occurred in all 96 patients with VA at baseline who underwent follow-up duodenal biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Enteropathy due to ARBs is characterised by severe malabsorption often requiring hospital admission and can involve the entire gastrointestinal tract. Clinician awareness can lead to prompt diagnosis and excellent prognosis.

Olmesartan-Induced Enteropathy: When the Treatment of One Disease Causes Another

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used for the management of hypertension. This drug can lead to an enteropathy that clinically and histologically resembles coeliac disease. Symptoms may appear months or years after the introduction of the drug and usually resolve after discontinuation. The authors present a case of an 86-year-old woman with hypertension who was treated with olmesartan for 10 years. She presented to the emergency department with diarrhoea after three months of development and weight loss. The aetiological study that was conducted excluded infectious, inflammatory, endocrinological, and neoplastic causes. The pathological anatomy of the duodenal biopsy was suggestive of coeliac disease, but the serology was not compatible. The patient presented complete remission of the condition with the suspension of the drug and subsequent recrudescence when, by self-initiation, she resumed olmesartan. This case study aims to alert readers of a rare cause of enteropathy with a clinical manifestation that mimics coeliac disease. Olmesartan-induced enteropathy seems to be a diagnosis of exclusion and should be considered in patients chronically medicated with olmesartan.

Refractory celiac disease and its mimickers: a review on pathogenesis, clinical-pathological features and therapeutic challenges

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) are rare, yet severe complications of celiac disease (CD). Over the last decades, several studies have addressed the biology and clinical-pathological features of such conditions, highlighting unique disease patterns and recurrent genetic events. Current classification proposals identify two forms of RCD, namely: (i) type 1 RCD (RCD-I), characterized by phenotypically normal intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs); and (ii) type 2 RCD (RCD-II), featuring phenotypically aberrant IELs. While RCD-I likely represents a gluten-independent dysimmune reaction against small bowel epithelial cells, RCD-II is better considered an in situ aggressive T-cell lymphoma, with high rates of progression to overt EATL. The diagnosis of RCD and EATL is often challenging, due to misleading clinical-pathological features and to significant overlap with several CD-unrelated gastro-intestinal disorders. Similarly, the treatment of RCD and EATL is an unmet clinical need for both gastroenterologists and hematologists. Moving from such premises, this review aims to provide a comprehensive view of RCD and EATL, specifically considering their pathogenesis and the many still open issues concerning their diagnosis and clinical management.

A Rare Case of Olmesartan-Associated Enteropathy Successfully Managed With Steroid Taper

Olmesartan is a commonly used antihypertensive medication belonging to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers. Though generally well-tolerated, olmesartan can rarely cause olmesartan-associated enteropathy (OAE) with non-bloody diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Patients may develop enteropathy months to years after drug initiation. In severe cases, patients may develop complications that require hospitalization. Diagnosis is often delayed due to unfamiliarity of OAE, nonspecific presenting symptoms, and normal-appearing gross endoscopic findings. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy is essential to the diagnosis, showing sprue-like enteropathy with intestinal villous atrophy and mucosal inflammation. This report describes a case of a 70-year-old man who presented with three months of profuse watery diarrhea and 40-pound unintentional weight loss. After an extensive workup, including EGD with duodenal biopsies, the patient was diagnosed with OAE. The biopsies showed findings consistent with acute and chronic duodenitis, mucosal desquamation and ulceration, blunting of villi, and a sprue-like pattern with neutrophils. Celiac serologies and anti-enterocyte antibodies were negative, further supporting the diagnosis of OAE. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved by discontinuing olmesartan and administering a steroid taper. Considering the frequent use of olmesartan, the increasing occurrence of OAE, and the wide range of associated symptoms, it is crucial for providers to recognize OAE and consider early discontinuation of olmesartan. This approach can help prevent further intestinal damage, protracted symptoms, unnecessary diagnostic tests, and financial burdens on both patients and the healthcare system.

Olmesartan-Induced Enteropathy: A Case Report

Patients with olmesartan-induced enteropathy, a rare illness, frequently endure prolonged diarrhea and weight loss with no apparent cause. Because this adverse event's clinical and histological characteristics mimic those of other small intestine illnesses, it can be challenging to recognize it in a timely manner. We report a case of olmesartan-induced enteropathy in a 58-year-old male who had been on olmesartan for several years. Recently, during his travel to Greece, he developed diarrhea lasting several weeks. This was accompanied by a significant weight loss of 35 lbs, acute kidney injury, and hypokalemia. Extensive negative workup, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with normal biopsy of esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and terminal ileum, and colonoscopy with biopsies, autoimmune serologies, and infectious disease workup, led to a diagnosis of olmesartan-induced enteropathy as a diagnosis of exclusion. Diarrhea improved/resolved within a few days after stopping olmesartan in our patient.

Candesartan-Induced Enteropathy That Mimics Celiac Disease in a 90-Year-Old Patient

Sprue-like enteropathy (SLE) is a clinical syndrome similar to celiac disease and has been associated with the use of various angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), a class of medications frequently used in the management of hypertension. Currently, there has only been one documented case report which has observed this occurrence with the use of the ARB candesartan. A 90-year-old female patient presented with chronic diarrhea and weight loss of unclear etiology. Diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy were macroscopically unremarkable, but histological samples revealed complete villous atrophy, chronic mucosal inflammation, and intraepithelial T-lymphocytic infiltration. However, serological studies could not confirm celiac disease as a cause for the patient’s symptoms of malabsorption. After exclusion of other intestinal inflammation etiologies with noted ongoing candesartan use, the diagnosis of SLE was made, and candesartan therapy was discontinued. Additionally, we decided to initiate a lactose-free diet. Clinical remission was achieved without any recurrences. Candesartan is a commonly prescribed therapeutic agent in the treatment of hypertension. Our case underlines the importance of considering it as a potential cause for unexplained symptoms of malabsorption.

Drug-induced digestive tract injury: decoding some invisible offenders

There is an ever-growing list of pharmacological agents, several of which are attributed to cause clinically significant gastrointestinal (GI) injury. Many patients present with significant but nonspecific symptoms, that in conjunction with the absence of relevant drug history on the requisition slip can make the histopathologic diagnosis challenging. To complicate this, although some drugs have relatively characteristic histopathologic features (such as doxycycline), there exist many other drugs that exhibit wide and varying spectra of histopathologic findings (such as immune checkpoint inhibitors or olmesartan) and have histomorphologic overlap with many other commonly encountered disease entities. This review discusses the histopathologic features of some relatively recently described drugs causing GI tract injury, namely doxycycline, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and olmesartan. We also discuss the common mimics in histopathologic differential and some pearls that can help distinguish GI tract injury induced by the aforementioned drugs from its mimics. Awareness of the wide spectra of histopathologic changes associated with these drugs is crucial for practicing pathologists, to avoid misdiagnosis and guiding the clinician for an optimal patient management, which usually involves modifying or discontinuing the offending drug. Needless to say, once a diagnosis of drug-induced injury is suspected, clinicopathologic correlation including corroboration with the drug history is of utmost importance as is the exclusion of dual pathology in these patients.

The histological spectrum of ARB-induced gastritis

AIMS

Olmesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used for hypertension management, is known to cause a sprue-like enteropathy in a subset of patients. Rare cases of gastritis occurring with ARB use have also been reported, but the histological features of ARB-induced gastritis and the response to drug cessation have not been examined in a dedicated case-series.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cases of suspected ARB-induced gastritis were identified from the pathology archives of four institutions. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides from gastric biopsies were reviewed. Fifteen patients (14 female, one male) were identified. The most common presenting symptoms were diarrhoea (10) and weight loss (six). Gastric biopsies commonly showed a full-thickness active chronic gastritis with surface epithelial injury involving the antrum and body. Glandular atrophy, intra-epithelial lymphocytosis and/or subepithelial collagen thickening were also present in some cases. Duodenal involvement, including villous atrophy, intra-epithelial lymphocytosis and/or collagenous sprue, was identified in 11 of 13 cases with concurrent duodenal biopsies. Following drug cessation, symptomatic improvement occurred in all 11 cases for which follow-up data were available. Histological resolution occurred in five of eight cases with follow-up gastric biopsies, with improvement seen in the remaining three biopsies.

CONCLUSION

ARB-induced gastritis typically presents as active chronic gastritis, frequently with associated surface epithelial injury. Glandular atrophy, intra-epithelial lymphocytosis and/or subepithelial collagen thickening may also be present. These gastric changes can be seen without associated duodenal injury in rare cases, and they should alert the pathologist to the possibility of ARB-induced injury. Drug cessation results in marked symptomatic and histological improvement.

Mosaic theory revised: inflammation and salt play central roles in arterial hypertension

The mosaic theory of hypertension was advocated by Irvine Page ~80 years ago and suggested that hypertension resulted from the close interactions of different causes. Increasing evidence indicates that hypertension and hypertensive end-organ damage are not only mediated by the proposed mechanisms that result in hemodynamic injury. Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology and contributes to the deleterious consequences of arterial hypertension. Sodium intake is indispensable for normal body function but can be detrimental when it exceeds dietary requirements. Recent data show that sodium levels also modulate the function of monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, and different T-cell subsets. Some of these effects are mediated by changes in the microbiome and metabolome due to high-salt intake. The purpose of this review is to propose a revised and extended version of the mosaic theory by summarizing and integrating recent advances in salt, immunity, and hypertension research. Salt and inflammation are placed in the middle of the mosaic because both factors influence each of the remaining pieces.

Olmesartan-associated Enteropathy with Acute Kidney Injury

Olmesartan, a recently introduced angiotensin II receptor blocker for hypertension, has been reported to cause drug-induced small bowel enteropathy. The diagnosis of olmesartan-associated enteropathy (OAE) needs clinical suspicion and the exclusion of coeliac disease, as it mimics coeliac sprue. Once diagnosed, it can be completely cured with the discontinuation of olmesartan. However, due to the extremely low incidence of OAE in Korea, clinical suspicion and diagnosis may be a challenge. The authors report the first case of OAE presenting with chronic diarrhea and acute kidney injury in Korea.

An unusual cause of diarrhoea: case report and literature review of olmesartan-associated enteropathy

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, approved in 2002 by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hypertension. During chronic therapy with olmesartan, sprue-like enteropathy can occur, being mainly characterised by non-bloody diarrhoea, weight loss and variable degrees of duodenal mucosal damage, which resolved after withdrawal of olmesartan. We hereby report the case of a 77-year-old, poli-treated male patient with a 3-month history of diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss, associated with severe intestinal villous atrophy and lymphocytic infiltration of gastric and colonic mucosa. After extensive investigations aimed at excluding other possible causes of chronic diarrhoea, a diagnosis of olmesartan-associated enteropathy was made, which was later confirmed by clinical improvement after the discontinuation of the drug. Repeated endoscopy 8 months later showed complete healing of duodenal mucosa with normal villous architecture. Villous atrophy and lymphocytic infiltration of duodenal mucosa are the most described pathologic finding, but several cases of gastric and colonic involvement have also been reported. We, therefore, reviewed the available literature, focussing on the extent of mucosal damage throughout the whole intestine and on its possible causative factors.

Seronegative Celiac Disease; Frequently Encountered Yet Undiagnosed Clinical Entity

BACKGROUND

There are limited studies on the seronegative celiac disease from the Indian subcontinent. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, pathological, genetic, and clinical profile of patients with seronegative celiac disease.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, SMS Hospital, Jaipur, between October 2017 to March 2019. Consecutive patients with seronegative celiac disease with age ≥ 3 years were enrolled for the assessment of demography, clinical features, histological findings, celiac serology, genetic analysis, and response to gluten-free diet.

RESULTS

Out of total of 312 patients with celiac disease, 13 (4.16 %) patients (median age 25 years [range 5-46 years], 10 female) were diagnosed as having seronegative celiac disease. Presenting symptoms were chronic diarrhea in nine (69.23%), abdominal pain in six (46.15%), weight loss in five (38.46%), and short stature in two (15.38 %) patients. On histological analysis, Marsh stage 2 was seen in five (38.46%), Marsh 3c in two (15.38%), Marsh 3a in three (23.07%), and Marsh 3b in three (23.07%) patients. On HLA analysis, HLA-DQ2.5 was seen in six (46.15%) patients, HLA-DQ2.2 in five (38.46%), and HLA-DQ8 in two (15.38%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of seronegative celiac disease in our study was 4.16%. The most common symptoms were chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain, and the histological grade was Marsh stage 2.

Clinical and gastro-duodenal histopathological features of enteropathy due to angiotensin II receptor blockers

BACKGROUND

Clinical elements differentiating enteropathy due to angiotensin II-receptor-blockers (ARBs-E) from coeliac disease (CD) are poorly defined. The histopathological features on duodenal and gastric biopsies in these patients still need to be investigated.

AIMS

To describe the clinical phenotype of ARBs-E in comparison to CD, and the histological findings of gastric and duodenal biopsies in ARBs-E.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients with ARBs-E and CD diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline presenting symptoms and demographics were compared (Fisher's exact test and t-test). Gastric and duodenal histology in ARBs-E were revised by two independent pathologists.

RESULTS

14 ARBs-E and 112 CD patients were enroled. Weight loss (p < 0.01), acute onset of diarrhoea (p < 0.01), hospitalization (p < 0.01), and older age at diagnosis (p < 0.01) were more common in ARBs-E. Duodenal histology in ARBs-E showed intraepithelial lymphocytosis in 71%, increased mucosal eosinophilic count in 57%, with preserved neuroendocrine, Paneth and goblet cells in all patients. Gastric histologic lesions at baseline, including lymphocytic gastritis, eosinophilic gastritis, chronic active gastritis, and metaplastic atrophic gastritis patterns were observed in 73% of patients, without Helicobacter pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

ARBs-E showed a severe clinical phenotype, often requiring hospital admission. Gastric involvement at diagnosis is very common, and this could further support this diagnosis.

Severe spruelike enteropathy and collagenous colitis caused by olmesartan

BACKGROUND

Olmesartan, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, reportedly causes spruelike enteropathy, with intestinal villous atrophy as its typical histopathological finding. Interestingly, collagenous and/or lymphocytic gastritis and colitis occur in some patients. We report the case of a 73-year-old Japanese man with a 2-month clinical history of severe diarrhea and weight loss. There were few reports in which spruelike enteropathy and collagenous colitis were both observed and could be followed up.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 73-year-old man with a 2-month clinical history of severe diarrhea and weight loss. He had taken olmesartan for hypertension treatment for 5 years. Endoscopic examination with biopsies revealed intestinal villous atrophy and collagenous colitis. Suspecting enteropathy caused by olmesartan, which was discontinued on admission because of hypotension, we continued to stop the drug. Within 3 weeks after olmesartan discontinuation, his clinical symptoms improved. After 3 months, follow-up endoscopy showed improvement of villous atrophy but not of the thickened collagen band of the colon. However, the mucosa normalized after 6 months, histologically confirming that the preexistent pathology was finally resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

This report presents a case in which spruelike enteropathy and collagenous colitis were both observed and could be followed up. In unexplained cases of diarrhea, medication history should be reconfirmed and this disease should be considered a differential diagnosis.

Olmesartan-associated sprue-like enteropathy diagnosed by capsule endoscopy and double balloon endoscopy

Sprue-like enteropathy associated with olmesartan is characterized by villous atrophy in the duodenum. We report the case of an 81-year-old woman diagnosed with olmesartan-associated sprue-like enteropathy with no villous atrophy in the duodenum. The patient had been taking olmesartan for 10 years and complained of diarrhea and weight loss. Despite undergoing general treatment for 2 months, her symptoms showed no improvement. Gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathological findings showed no villous atrophy in the duodenum. However, villous atrophy was observed in the small intestine by capsule endoscopy. Pathological biopsy with double balloon endoscopy provided a definitive diagnosis. Diarrhea improved with the discontinuation of olmesartan and weight increased within a week of withdrawal. After the improvement of clinical symptoms, both endoscopic and pathological findings of villous atrophy in small intestine showed improvement.

Sprue-Like Enteropathy and Liver Injury: A Rare Emerging Association with Olmesartan

Olmesartan-induced enteropathy is an underreported phenomenon, first described in 2012. While olmesartan's antihypertensive properties were confirmed early on, its association with a sprue-like enteropathy was subsequently noted. Although this association has been reported with olmesartan, there have been few reports of this association with other angiotensin-receptor blockers. We present a case of a 79-year-old male who presented with diarrhea, weight loss, jaundice, and transaminitis. Further history revealed that he had been taking olmesartan 40 mg daily for hypertension. Workup of his diarrhea and jaundice included duodenal and liver biopsies revealed findings consistent with a sprue-like enteropathy and an autoimmune hepatitis-like pattern. On discontinuation of olmesartan, his 1-month follow-up revealed significant improvement in his clinical status as well as his liver function tests. Olmesartan is an effective antihypertensive medication; however, physicians must be mindful of its side effect of causing a sprue-like enteropathy and liver injury. Patients should be counseled on discontinuing olmesartan, and they should be started on an alternative therapy for hypertension.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of unclassifiable enteropathies with increased intraepithelial CD103+ CD8+ T lymphocytes: a single center case series

OBJECTIVES

Chronic diarrhea, villous atrophy and/or increased intraepithelial T-lymphocytes (IEL) occur in many inflammatory disorders including celiac disease (CD). However, a definite diagnosis is difficult to make in some patients despite an extensive diagnostic work-up. Clinical outcomes and histological phenotypes of such patients we refer to as unclassifiable enteropathy (UEP) remain unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of patients with chronic diarrhea, weight loss and increased IEL. Patients with defined etiologies including infections, CD, drugs, immunodeficiencies or neoplasms were excluded. Clinical and histologic/immunophenotypic parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Nine patients with UEP were identified. Small intestinal damage ranged from minor villous abnormalities to complete atrophy while all patients displayed high numbers of CD103⁺ CD8⁺ IELs. In contrast to CD, these CD8⁺ T cells were not confined to the surface epithelium, but also infiltrated the crypts. Additional histological features included apoptotic crypt epithelial cells and mixed inflammatory infiltrates in the tunica propria. Involvement of other segments of the gastrointestinal tract was observed in 7/9 patients. A clonal intestinal T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder developed in 2 patients, one of which had a fatal disease course. The majority of patients responded to corticosteroids, while response to immunosuppressive medications yielded heterogeneous results.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a patient population with 'difficult-to-classify' enteropathies characterized by various degrees of villous atrophy and strongly increased intraepithelial CD103⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the small intestine which harbor an increased risk for T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Clinical course, histology, and response to immunosuppressive therapy all suggest an autoimmune pathogenesis.

Coeliac disease enteropathy and symptoms may be aggravated by angiotensin receptor blockers in patients on a gluten-free diet

Background

Angiotensin receptor blocker‐associated enteropathy (ARB‐e) is an increasingly recognised clinical entity with symptoms and histological findings identical to coeliac disease (CD). There is evidence to suggest immune‐mediated mucosal injury in ARB‐e with a high prevalence of DQ2/DQ8; however, as IgA anti‐tissue transglutaminase (anti‐TTG) is usually negative, an insult other than TTG‐mediated injury is suspected. The impact of ARBs on disease activity in patients with CD is not known.

Objective

To assess the effect of ARB exposure on patients with established CD.

Methods

A patient record search of 1142 individual patients attending a dedicated coeliac clinic from 2010 to the present identified 59 patients treated with ARB. Those with CD confirmed by serology (TTG + ve/EMA + ve) and histopathology (Marsh criteria) were included (n = 40, 0.52%). Data collected included disease duration, compliance with gluten‐free diet (GFD), reported symptoms (diarrhoea, weight loss and abdominal pain), surrogate markers of absorption (Vitamin D, Iron, Calcium and Haemoglobin), in addition to anti‐TTG titre and histological grade at last follow up. Patients were age and sex‐matched in a 1:2 ratio with CD patients not taking ARBs (controls), with comparable rates of disease duration and compliance with GFD.

Results

The ARB and control groups were matched in terms of age (mean 66.2 years) and gender (female 63%). Strict compliance with GFD was reported in 55% and 56%, respectively. Persistent symptoms were reported in 10/40 (25%) of the ARB group compared with 7/82 (9%) of controls (p = 0.0181). There were lower rates of mucosal healing (Marsh grade 0) in the ARB group (36% n = 11) compared to controls (55%, n = 33). There was no significant difference in anti‐TTG titres. Surrogate markers of absorption were comparable across the groups, except for Vitamin D which was lower in those taking olmesartan (p = 0.0015).

Conclusions

ARBs may aggravate the enteropathy and lead to increased symptoms in patients with bone fide diagnosed CD following a GFD.

Summarise the estabished knowledge on this subject

Angiotensin receptor blocker‐associated enteropathy (ARB‐e) is an increasingly recognised clinical entity with symptoms and histological findings identical to coeliac disease (CD).

The exact cause of mucosal injury in ARB‐e is unknown however there is evidence to suggest immune‐mediated mucosal injury in ARB‐e with a high prevalence of DQ2/DQ8, however as anti‐tissue transglutaminase (TTG) is usually negative, an insult other than TTG‐mediated injury is suspected. The impact of ARBs on disease activity in patients with CD is not known.

What are the significance and/or new findins of this study?

Coeliac patients who take ARBs are more likely to have persistent symptoms and lower rates of mucosal healing than their age‐matched coeliac controls. This observation appears to be independent of TTG mediated injury, akin to that reported in non‐coeliac populations.

ARB use in patients with established coeliac disease may confound the interpretation of clinical and histological response to a gluten‐free diet.

70-year-old woman with chronic diarrhea

We present the clinical case of a seventy-year-old female patient with hypertension in treatment with olmesartan since one year ago and no other past medical history of interest. She was hospitalized in the internal medicine department in order to study constitutional symptoms which consisted of confirmed weight loss of 13 kg, chronic diarrhea, loss of appetite, asthenia, and intermittent colic-like abdominal pain. After an initial screening for neoplastic disease, other possible options were considered.

Olmesartan-associated duodenal villous atrophy, an emerging clinical issue

Duodenal villous atrophy with olmesartan was described in 2012, 10 years following registration of olmesartan. Clinical features are severe watery diarrhoea, usually occurring in association with weight loss. Onset is delayed, with a mean duration of prior exposure to olmesartan of 3 years. Diagnosis may be delayed. Symptoms resolve over weeks following cessation of olmesartan. Epidemiological studies suggest increased risk with olmesartan, rather than a class effect of all angiotensin receptor blockers. Post-marketing surveillance for drug safety remains important.

Immune-mediated enteropathies: From bench to bedside

Immune-mediated enteropathies are caused by excessive reactions of the intestinal immune system towards non-pathogenic molecules. Enteropathy leads to malabsorption-related symptoms and include (severe) chronic diarrhea, weight loss and vitamin deficiencies. Parenteral feeding and immunosuppressive therapy are needed in severe cases. Celiac disease has long been recognized as the most common immune-mediated enteropathy in adults, but the spectrum of immune-mediated enteropathies has been expanding. Histological and clinical features are sometimes shared among these enteropathies, and therefore it may be challenging to differentiate between them. Here, we provide an overview of immune-mediated enteropathies focused on clinical presentation, establishing diagnosis, immunopathogenesis, and treatment options.

Minimal Lesions of the Small Intestinal Mucosa: More than Morphology

Minimal lesions of the small bowel are mucosal changes characterized by an increased number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (with or without crypt hyperplasia) and normal villous architecture. Such changes are associated with a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from food intolerances to infections, and from drugs to immune diseases, with different clinical profiles and manifestations, which complicates the formulation of a differential diagnosis. Patient history, symptom evaluation, and histopathology are the diagnostic features needed to establish a correct diagnosis. Physicians should assist pathologists in formulating a precise morphological evaluation by taking well-oriented small intestinal biopsies and collecting informative clinical findings that inform histopathology. In this current clinical controversy, the authors provide the reader with an appraisal of the small intestine minimal lesions through a careful analysis of the major conditions (e.g., celiac disease and other non-celiac disorders) responsible for such changes and their differential diagnosis. Also, we acknowledge that some of the diseases detailed in this article may progress from an early minimal lesion to overt mucosal atrophy. Thus, the timing of the diagnosis is of paramount importance.

Severe Sprue-Like Enteropathy and Colitis due to Olmesartan: Lessons Learned From a Rare Entity

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drug approved in 2002 for the treatment of hypertension. Since 2012, there have been reports of a rare adverse effect suspected to be related to its use. The author presents a case of a 63-year-old female with refractory gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including diarrhea with associated weight loss and severe electrolyte abnormalities necessitating hospitalization. An extensive inpatient evaluation ensued and was initially unremarkable. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) discovered an endoscopically normal duodenum that was biopsied and notably revealed villous atrophy and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Colonoscopy was normal appearing though biopsy findings were significant for nonspecific colitis. The endoscopy findings in the setting of the clinical presentation confirmed the diagnosis of olmesartan-associated enteropathy (OAE). Clinical improvement was noted after cessation of olmesartan and histological resolution was confirmed with repeat EGD post-discharge.

Clinical phenotype and mortality in patients with idiopathic small bowel villous atrophy: a dual-centre international study

OBJECTIVE

Causes of small-bowel villous atrophy (VA) include coeliac disease (CD), its complications and other rare non-coeliac enteropathies. However, forms of VA of unknown aetiology may also exist. We defined them as idiopathic VA (IVA). To retrospectively classify the largest cohort of IVA patients and compare their natural history with CD.

METHODS

Notes of 76 IVA patients attending two tertiary centres between January 2000 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. CD, its complications and all the known causes of VA were excluded in all of them. Persistence of VA during follow-up and lymphoproliferative features were used to retrospectively classify IVA, as follows. Group 1: IVA with spontaneous histological recovery (50 patients). Group 2: persistent IVA without lymphoproliferative features (14 patients). Group 3: persistent IVA with lymphoproliferative features (12 patients). Survival was compared between IVA groups and 1114 coeliac patients. HLA was compared between IVA patients, coeliac patients and appropriate controls.

RESULTS

Five-year survival was 96% in IVA group 1, 100% in IVA group 2, 27% in IVA group 3 and 97% in CD. On a multivariate analysis hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.002) and age at diagnosis (P = 0.04) predicted mortality in IVA. Group 2 showed association with HLA DQB1*0301 and DQB1*06.

CONCLUSION

IVA consists of three groups of enteropathies with distinct clinical phenotypes and prognoses. Mortality in IVA is higher than in CD and mainly due to lymphoproliferative conditions necessitating more aggressive therapies.

Olmesartan-Induced Spruelike Enteropathy: An Emerging Cause of Small Bowel Injury

Olmesartan-induced spruelike enteropathy is a rare clinical entity that is characterized by unexplained chronic diarrhea and weight loss. Prompt recognition of this adverse event may be challenging due to clinical and histologic similarities with other small intestinal pathologies. We hereby delineate the case of an elderly female with a 14-month clinical history of non-bloody diarrhea and weight loss. After extensive diagnostic workup and exclusion of probable etiologies, the patient was diagnosed with olmesartan-associated enteropathy. A dramatic clinical and histologic recuperation was achieved after discontinuation of olmesartan. This paper illustrates the overarching need for a detailed clinical history focusing on medication review in patients presenting with chronic diarrhea with no obvious cause. The spruelike enteropathy associated with olmesartan is an emerging cause of small bowel injury. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this adverse drug reaction. Early and correct diagnosis carries paramount importance in sparing these patients from unnecessary diagnostic investigations and therapeutic delays.

Clinical factors related to severe enterocolitis after adjuvant CAPOX for colorectal cancer: a retrospective analysis

Background

CAPOX regimen is a standard option in stage III adjuvant colon cancer. Gastrointestinal toxicity is well described with fluoropyrimidine regimens and can be life-threatening. Identification of risk factors associated with severe gastrointestinal toxicity may help clinicians when choosing the adjuvant regimen.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed 61 patients treated with adjuvant CAPOX. Our primary objective was to estimate the incidence of severe chemotherapy-induced enterocolitis among patients treated with CAPOX. A secondary objective was to describe the main demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients. A univariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI to identify a predictor for severe enterocolitis.

Results

Grade 3 diarrhoea was reported in 10 patients (16.3%). Admissions to hospital due to toxicity occurred in nine cases. Reasons for hospitalisation were severe enterocolitis in eight cases (13.1%) and rectal bleeding plus thrombocytopenia in one case. Age > 70 years (OR 9.6; 95% CI 1.81–50.6; p = 0.008), primary surgery involving right/transverse colon (OR 16.8; 95% CI 2.88–98.8; p = 0.002) and Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) use (OR 8.14; 95% CI 1.64–40.3; p = 0.010) were associated with severe enterocolitis.

Conclusion

Our data showed that adjuvant CAPOX induced severe enterocolitis in 13.1% of patients. In addition, we found that advanced age, right colectomy and concurrent use of ARB were statistically associated with these events. Awareness of these factors could be easily incorporated into the treatment decision and patient orientation.

Telmisartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy: a case report

A possible case of sprue-like enteropathy (SLE) induced by the use of telmisartan is reported. Telmisartan is an angiotensin-receptor II blocker (type 1) used for the treatment of hypertension. Several cases of SLE associated with olmesartan and other drugs of the same group have been reported. In all cases, SLE resolved following therapy withdrawal. We describe the case of an 80-year-old woman who presented with diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In the past 5 years she had been treated with telmisartan 40 mg once a day for hypertension, so we hypothesised that symptoms might be caused by telmisartan. After treatment discontinuation, diarrhoea disappeared. Three causality algorithms were applied and revealed a possible or likely causal relationship. At present, the patient remains asymptomatic. There is a causal relationship between the use of telmisartan and SLE. This association should be taken into account by physicians when prescribing and reviewing drug therapies.

Olmesartan Associated Enteropathy: Usefulness of Video Capsule Endoscopy in a Case With Doubtful Upper Endoscopic/Histological Picture

BACKGROUND

Olmesartan, an antihypertensive drug, may be associated with a severe "sprue-like enteropathy".

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of Olmesartan enteropathy demonstrated by video capsule endoscopy distally from the second duodenum along with the whole small bowel before and after drug withdrawal.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 81-years-old man was referred for asthenia, chronic watery diarrhea and anasarca (ascites, pleural effusion and edemas of superior and inferior limb). The only comorbidity was hypertension treated with Olmesartan. All causes of infective and inflammatory chronic diarrhea were investigated and excluded. Upper endoscopy was normal; histological examination of the second portion of the duodenum showed moderate and patchy infiltration of lymphocytes at mucosal and intra-epithelial level with intermittent partial villous atrophy. The possibility of adverse drug reaction, estimated by Naranjo scale, showed a score of 7, indicating a strong probability. Olmesartan was then withdrawn. However, because of severe clinical general condition, we preferred to corroborate our diagnostic work-up by a non-invasive investigation, i.e. video capsule endoscopy, which showed jejunal and ileal mucosal alterations (mosaic pattern, diffuse hyperemia, severe edema, consequent apparent reduced lumen, diffuse thickening of intestinal folds, multiple erosions, patchy lymphangectasia). After 14 days, the resolution of anasarcatic state and hydroelectrolytic imbalances was observed. Nine months later, small-bowel video-capsule demonstrated mild mucosal hyperaemia and mosaic pattern.

CONCLUSION

Our case could give new insights in the field of Olmesartan associated enteropathy by highlighting the possibility of distally main lesion location and, therefore, the usefulness of video capsule endoscopy in the presence of doubtful diagnostic features.

Significant Weight Loss in a Patient Taking Olmesartan: An Unusual Case Report

Objective:

Olmesartan-induced enteropathy consists a syndrome that mimics celiac disease both clinically and histologically. Cases of this entity have sporadically been reported since 2012 and are usually characterized by severe diarrhea and malabsorption, followed by significant weight loss.

Case Report:

Herein, we report an uncommon case of this syndrome, where weight loss preceded several months the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Physicians should be aware of unexplained weight loss in patients taking olmesartan, as prompt discontinuation of the drug may prevent the deleterious consequences of malabsorption.

Celiac Disease: Updates on Pathology and Differential Diagnosis

Celiac disease is a gluten-triggered immune-mediated disorder, characterized by inflammation of the enteric mucosa following lymphocytic infiltration and eventually resulting in villous blunting. There have been many developments in refining diagnostic laboratory tests for celiac disease in the last decade. Biopsy-sparing diagnostic guidelines have been proposed and validated in a few recent prospective studies. However, despite these developments, histologic evaluation of duodenal mucosa remains one of the most essential diagnostic tools as it helps in the diagnosis of celiac disease in individuals who do not fulfill the biopsy-sparing diagnostic criteria and in those not responding to a gluten-free diet. Histologic evaluation also allows for the assessment of mucosal recovery after treatment and in the identification of concurrent intestinal diseases. Therefore, pathologists should be familiar with the histologic spectrum of celiac disease and need to be aware of other disorders with similar symptoms and histopathology that may mimic celiac disease. This review aims to provide pathologists with updates on celiac laboratory testing, biopsy-sparing diagnostic criteria, histopathology, complications, and differential diagnoses of celiac disease.

Nivolumab-induced celiac-like enteropathy in patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Case report and review of the literature

Nivolumab may induce severe celiac-like enteropathy, that may appear very rapidly, after only two injections of nivolumab, and may be successfully treated with corticosteroids. This observation underlines the importance of histological analysis of duodenal biopsies and the necessity to rule out a real celiac disease in patients with nivolumab-induced diarrhea.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers and gastrointestinal adverse events of resembling sprue-like enteropathy: a systematic review

Background

Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms resembling sprue-like enteropathy. Some have proposed that enteropathy may be a class effect rather than olmesartan-specific. We performed a systematic review to identify literature of sprue-like enteropathy for all ARBs.

Methods

Case reports, case series and comparative studies of ARBs were searched on PubMed and Embase databases through 21 November 2018 and then assessed.

Results

A total of 82 case reports and case series as well as 5 comparative studies, including 248 cases, were selected and analysed. The ARBs listed in the case reports were olmesartan (233 users; 94.0%), telmisartan (5 users; 2.0%), irbesartan (4 users; 1.6%), valsartan (3 users; 1.2%), losartan (2 users; 0.8%) and eprosartan (1 user; 0.4%). The periods between ARB initiation and onset of symptoms ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years. Histologic results were reported in 218 cases, in which 201 cases (92.2%) were villous atrophy and 131 cases (60.1%) were intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) testing was performed in 147 patients, among whom 105 (71.4%) had HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes. Celiac-associated antibodies were tested in 169 patients, among whom 167 (98.8%) showed negative results. Gluten exclusion from the diet failed to relieve symptoms of enteropathy in 127 (97.7%) of 130 patients with information. Complete remission of symptoms after discontinuation of ARB was reported in 233 (97.4%) of the 239 patients with information. Seven cases (2.8%) reported recurrence of symptoms after restarting olmesartan; rechallenge was not reported for the non-olmesartan ARBs. The retrospective studies conducted worldwide had inconsistent study designs (e.g. differences in periods of study and case definition) and findings.

Conclusions

Although enteropathy is rare, clinicians should remain vigilant of this potential adverse event even years after medication initiation.

Overview in the clinical management of patients with seronegative villous atrophy

Differential diagnosis and management of enteropathies found in the context of seronegative villous atrophy (VA) are still a clinical challenge. Although seronegative coeliac disease may be the most frequent cause of serology-negative VA, other conditions must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of seronegative VA. The rarity of these enteropathies with frequent overlapping of histological features may result in misclassification of such patients as affected by a seronegative or a refractory form of coeliac disease with consequent inappropriate treatments and long-term morbidity. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge and to provide an evidence base and practical algorithmic approach for the investigation and management of seronegative VA.

Effects of Drugs and Excipients on Hydration Status

Despite being the most essential nutrient, water is commonly forgotten in the fields of pharmacy and nutrition. Hydration status is determined by water balance (the difference between water input and output). Hypohydration or negative water balance is affected by numerous factors, either internal (i.e., a lack of thirst sensation) or external (e.g., polypharmacy or chronic consumption of certain drugs). However, to date, research on the interaction between hydration status and drugs/excipients has been scarce. Drugs may trigger the appearance of hypohydration by means of the increase of water elimination through either diarrhea, urine or sweat; a decrease in thirst sensation or appetite; or the alteration of central thermoregulation. On the other hand, pharmaceutical excipients induce alterations in hydration status by decreasing the gastrointestinal transit time or increasing the gastrointestinal tract rate or intestinal permeability. In the present review, we evaluate studies that focus on the effects of drugs/excipients on hydration status. These studies support the aim of monitoring the hydration status in patients, mainly in those population segments with a higher risk, to avoid complications and associated pathologies, which are key axes in both pharmaceutical care and the field of nutrition.

Biopsy Diagnosis of Celiac Disease: The Pathologist's Perspective in Light of Recent Advances

Celiac disease is a common immune-mediated disorder that occurs in individuals with permissive genetics (HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotype) following exposure to certain wheat proteins. The histopathologic manifestations of small intestinal mucosal injury (villus atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and intraepithelial lymphocytosis) are well recognized. However, these findings are not specific for celiac disease, because they are observed in other small intestinal disorders. These mimics include common and rare entities, the list of which continues to grow. This article discusses the histopathology and differential diagnosis of celiac disease and provides the pathologist's perspective on biopsy adequacy, evaluation, and reporting in light of current knowledge.

[An unusual case of olmesartan induced enteropathy]

Olmesartan induced enteropathy was first described in 2012. It is a rare adverse effect of this antihypertensive drug. The clinical presentation commonly includes severe chronic diarrhea leading to weight loss and a variable degree of dehydration. Histological findings are most commonly observed in the duodenum and consist of partial or total villous atrophy, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and inflammation in the lamina propria. Involvement of gastric and colic mucosa has also been described. We report on the case of a 63-year-old man, treated by olmesartan, who presented with severe chronic diarrhea. Biopsies from different levels of the gastrointestinal tract revealed a pandigestive intraepithelial lymphocytosis.

Olmesartan Associated Enteropathy: A Rare Underdiagnosed Cause of Diarrhea and Weight Loss

BACKGROUND Olmesartan, an angiotensin receptor blockade class of antihypertensive medication has recently been associated with a seronegative sprue like enteropathy. Patients typically present with diarrhea and weight loss often prompting exhaustive diagnostic workup. Discontinuation of the drug leads to dramatic recovery and hence, physicians need to be aware of olmesartan associated enteropathy (OAE) in order to avoid unnecessary testing. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of intractable diarrhea, vomiting and considerable weight loss. Medical history was notable for hypertension being treated with olmesartan. Workup for all potential infectious causes and celiac disease was negative. Eventually, a colonoscopy was performed due to his persistent symptoms and biopsy revealed lymphocytic colitis. An upper endoscopy was also performed, and histopathology of the duodenum revealed total villous blunting. In light of negative serology for celiac disease and after a detailed review of the patient's medications, the possibility of olmesartan induced enteropathy was considered. Olmesartan was stopped and his symptoms resolved. A follow-up endoscopy done a few months later showed normal small bowel mucosa. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates the need for a thorough medication review by healthcare providers especially after a full workup for the patient's symptoms has already been performed. It also reiterates that having an awareness of rare side effects of common medications mitigates the need for extensive diagnostic testing.