Inflammatory cell distribution in colon mucosa as a new tool for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome: A promising pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no histological criteria to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aims were (i) to examine the distribution of inflammatory cells in the colon of healthy and IBS subjects and (ii) to find histological diagnosis criteria for IBS. METHODS: Colonic biopsies were taken from four distinct regions of the colon from 20 controls (HC) and 11 patients with IBS (4 with constipation (IBS-C) and 7 with diarrhea (IBS-D) and embedded in paraffin. Macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils, and T lymphocytes were immunostained and positive cells counted. KEY RESULTS: In both HC and IBS patients, global cellularity decreased from the cecum to the rectum (P < .01) which is attributed to reduced number of macrophages (P < .05) and eosinophils (P < .001) but not T cells. Mast cells were reduced in IBS (P < .05) but not in HC, particularly in IBS-D (P < .05). Results showed higher number of macrophages in the left colon of IBS subjects than HC (P < .05). CONCLUSION & INFERENCES: Here we report a decreasing gradient of immune cells from the cecum to the rectum of the human colon. Although global cellularity cannot be used to distinguish between IBS and HC, closer analysis of macrophages and mast cells may be useful markers to confirm IBS histologically and to differentiate between IBS-C and IBS-D when clinical presentation alternates between constipation and diarrhoea. This pilot study remains to be confirmed with greater number of patients.

[Lymphedema of the lower limbs: Initial manifestation of gastric linitis plastica]. / Lymphœdème des membres inférieurs révélant une linite gastrique.

BACKGROUND: Primary lymphedemas are constitutional abnormalities of the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedemas occur after damage to the lymphatic system, mainly after cancer treatments or tumour mass compression. There are many other causes, including filariasis, which is nonetheless very rare in France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 52-year-old man presented with a two-month history of increased size of the left leg. He was asymptomatic and in good general condition. Clinical examination revealed non-pitting lymphedema and ipsilateral hydrocele without loco-regional compressive lymph node. Initial extensive explorations were unremarkable. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed low tracer fixation in the left leg. The symptoms continued to worsen, with exacerbation and bilateralization of the lymphedema. Two months later, axillary lymph nodes appeared corresponding to metastasis from a signet-ring cell carcinoma. Despite two lines of chemotherapy, the patient died 8 months later due to multiple metastatic disease. DISCUSSION: Our case is remarkable because the lymphedema was not related to extrinsic compression and was the first symptom of gastric cancer. In the absence of compression, endo-lymphatic micro-metastases could constitute the causative process. Acquired lymphedema of the lower limbs must be recognized as a potential early symptom of gastric carcinoma and should therefore prompt further investigations.