Wireless capsule endoscopy as a tool in diagnosing autoimmune enteropathy

A Combination Therapy in a Rare Case of Adult-Onset Autoimmune Enteropathy

Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a differential diagnosis of incurable chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, and weight loss. This type of diarrhea is associated with protein enteropathy that usually affects the small intestine. The diagnosis of AIE is based on chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, specific histological result, antibodies against enterocytes, and excluding similar conditions. In this case, a 28-year-old female presented with diarrhea, lower limb edema, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. Endoscopic examination demonstrated duodenal villous atrophy, while duodenal biopsies revealed villous blunting, scattered intraepithelial lymphocytes, and crypt hyperplasia in the lamina propria. The patient was treated with immunosuppressive treatment including methylprednisolone and azathioprine, achieving clinical remission.

Autoimmune Enteropathy: A Rare Cause of Chronic Diarrhea in an Adult Patient

Autoimmune enteropathy is a rare cause of malabsorption usually associated with circulating autoantibodies and predisposition to autoimmune disorders. The diagnosis is based on the following criteria: chronic diarrhea (>6 months), malabsorption, specific histological findings, anti-enterocyte and anti-goblet cell antibodies, and exclusion of similar disorders. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman presenting with severe chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and electrolyte abnormalities. Endoscopy revealed duodenal villous atrophy extending to proximal jejunum, and duodenal biopsies revealed villous blunting, cryptitis with apoptosis, and scattered intraepithelial lymphocytes. Therapeutic management included immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids, achieving clinical remission.

Acute Flare of Adult-Onset Autoimmune Enteropathy Associated With Cyclophosphamide

This is a case of adult-onset autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) in a 46-year-old man with multiple autoimmune conditions who presented with worsening disease process after receiving cyclophosphamide. We describe the investigations and management of this patient over a 6-year timeline. The diagnosis and management of AIE is challenging given the heterogeneity in clinicopathologic findings and a small number of adult case reports. We describe the current diagnostic criteria, review the literature on treatment options and outcomes, and discuss the evidence for cyclophosphamide in the treatment of AIE. Adult-onset AIE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of refractory diarrhea and weight loss.

Capsule endoscopy for patients with coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune mediated condition in response to gluten. A combination of innate and adaptive immune responses results in villous shortening in the small bowel (SB) that can be morphologically picked up on capsule endoscopy. It is the only imaging modality that can provide mucosal views of the entire SB, while histology is generally limited to the proximal SB. Radiological modalities are not designed to pick up changes in villous morphology. Areas covered: In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis on the justified use of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in the assessment of patients with coeliac disease; compare SBCE to histology, serology, and symptomatology; and provide an overview on automated quantitative analysis for the detection of coeliac disease. We also provide insight into future work on SBCE in relation to coeliac disease. Expert commentary: SBCE has opened up new avenues for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with coeliac disease. However, larger studies with new and established coeliac disease patients and with greater emphasis on morphological features on SBCE are required to better define the role of SBCE in the setting of coeliac disease.

Seronegative Adult Autoimmune Enteropathy in a Male Traveler

Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is rare but damaging. The lack of consistent objective findings makes diagnosis a challenge. A 45-year-old male developed noninfectious diarrhea with significant weight loss and electrolyte abnormalities. Computed tomography delineated enteritis. Colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed villous atrophy, chronic inflammation, and ulceration of the terminal ileum and cecum. Pathology showed cryptitis with apoptosis and abscesses throughout the small and large bowel and absent goblet cells. Steroids rapidly improved symptoms. Anti-enterocyte antibody serologies were negative. Management can be challenging, and, in this case, the patient initially improved with budesonide and infliximab but required alternative anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy after relapsing. This is an unusual presentation of seronegative AIE, which should be considered in cases of persistent severe diarrhea.

Autoimmune enteropathy

Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a very rare clinical entity primarily reported in infancy. In recent years, adult involvement has also been documented. Intractable diarrhea is the main manifestation, which is associated with small bowel villous atrophy. Corticosteroids are considered the first-choice therapy for AIE. In some patients, immunosuppressive therapies are necessary.