Quantitative MRI in murine radiation-induced rectocolitis: comparison with histopathological inflammation score.

Murine radiation-induced rectocolitis is considered to be a relevant animal model of gastrointestinal inflammation. The purpose of our study was to compare quantitative MRI and histopathological features in this gastrointestinal inflammation model. Radiation rectocolitis was induced by localized single-dose radiation (27 Gy) in Sprague-Dawley rats. T2 -weighted, T1 -weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI was performed at 7 T in 16 rats between 2 and 4 weeks after irradiation and in 10 control rats. Rats were sacrificed and the histopathological inflammation score of the colorectal samples was assessed. The irradiated rats showed significant increase in colorectal wall thickness (2.1 ± 0.3 mm versus 0.8 ± 0.3 mm in control rats, P < 0.0001), normalized T2 signal intensity (4 ± 0.8 versus 2 ± 0.4 AU, P < 0.0001), normalized T1 signal intensity (1.4 ± 0.1 versus 1.1 ± 0.2 AU, P = 0.0009) and apparent and pure diffusion coefficients (ADC and D) (2.06 × 10-3 ± 0.34 versus 1.51 × 10-3 ± 0.23 mm2 /s, P = 0.0004, and 1.97 × 10-3 ± 0.43 mm2 /s versus 1.48 × 10-3 ± 0.29 mm2 /s, P = 0.008, respectively). Colorectal wall thickness (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001), normalized T2 signal intensity (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001) and ADC (r = 0.80, P < 0.0001) were strongly correlated with the histopathological inflammation score, whereas normalized T1 signal intensity and D were moderately correlated (r = 0.64, P = 0.0006, and r = 0.65, P = 0.0003, respectively). High-field MRI features of single-dose radiation-induced rectocolitis in rats differ significantly from those of control rats. Quantitative MRI characteristics, especially wall thickness, normalized T2 signal intensity, ADC and D, are potential markers of the histopathological inflammation score.

Severe ischemic cytomegalovirus proctocolitis with multiple perforation.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) typically causes gastrointestinal infections in immunocompetent patients. Colonic perforations secondary to CMV are exceeding rare. We describe a 88-year-old male presenting with a week-long history of intractable abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed significant ulceration with yellowish slough. Emergency surgery was performed subsequently in view of multiple perforations in the rectosigmoid junction. CMV gastrointestinal infections demonstrated an ischemic process secondary to vasculitis, which accelerated the pathway to colonic perforation. CMV gastrointestinal infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with colonoscopy findings similar to ischemic colitis and Clostridium difficile infections.

Clinical pattern and progression of ulcerative proctitis in the Japanese population: a retrospective study of incidence and risk factors influencing progression.

AIM: The rate of extension of proctitis in Western countries has been reported, but no data regarding long-term follow-up have been described for the Japanese population. Additionally, patients with long-standing or extensive ulcerative colitis have an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. This study evaluated both the rate of extension of the disease and the development of neoplasia among patients with an initial diagnosis of ulcerative proctitis. METHOD: We retrospectively investigated the medical charts of patients with proctitis from 1979 to 2014. The primary focus of this research was the extension of the inflammatory area. The secondary focus included risk factors for disease extension and the development of neoplasia. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Proximal extension of the disease occurred in 34 patients: 19 patients had left-sided colitis and 15 had pancolitis. According to a multivariate analysis, disease extension was significantly higher in patients with disease onset before 25 years of age (P-value = 0.043). The cumulative rates of disease extension at 10 and 20 years were 33.8% and 52.2%, respectively. Three patients were diagnosed with dysplasia during follow-up, all of whom experienced disease extension before the development of dysplasia. CONCLUSION: The rate of extension of ulcerative colitis in the Japanese population was comparable to that in Western countries. A younger age of disease onset was associated with disease extension. Extension of proctitis may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Sex, lies, and gastrointestinal tract biopsies: a review of selected sexually transmitted proctocolitides.

There are many insults that result in gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Infections can be particularly challenging because (1) only a limited number of organisms provoke a specific endoscopic and/or histologic appearance; and (2) although some organisms may be present on biopsies, the findings may be so subtle or organisms so few that they are easily missed if the reviewer is not performing a specific search for the offender. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are rarely a consideration at the time of GI biopsy examination and clinicians rarely inquire about sexual behavior at the time of initial patient interview. Although establishing a definitive STI diagnosis is not possible on histology alone, these infections are associated with inflammatory patterns that may help raise this diagnostic possibility. Becoming familiar with these patterns is necessary as worldwide outbreaks of these infections are being reported. This review aims to provide the pathologist with histologic clues associated with the most frequently encountered bacterial pathogens in the setting of STI proctitis, namely, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum.

Proximal disease extension and related predicting factors in ulcerative proctitis.

OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis usually involves the rectum, may extend in a proximal and continuous fashion to involve varying portions of the bowel. However, the risk factors predictive of proximal extension have yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the natural course of disease and the risk factors influencing the proximal disease extension in ulcerative proctitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 98 patients with ulcerative proctitis at the time of diagnosis who were regularly followed and underwent sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy between January 2000 and December 2007. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 109.2 ± 49.5 months. A total of 27 (27.6%) patients experienced proximal disease extension. Mayo scores were significantly higher in the extension group compared with patients whose ulcerative proctitis did not extend proximally (p < 0.001). Corticosteroid use at initial diagnosis was also more frequent in the extension group (p = 0.026). In addition, chronic, continuous disease activation within 6 months of the initial diagnosis was significantly higher in the extension group (p < 0.001), as was disease relapse and the number of hospitalizations over the entire follow-up period (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). According to multivariate analysis, disease extension after the initial diagnosis was associated with chronic disease activation, disease relapse and hospitalization (p = 0.030, p = 0.042 and p = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased severity of disease upon diagnosis of ulcerative proctitis was associated with a higher probability of proximal disease extension during the follow-up period. Moreover, those with disease extension were more likely to experience relapse and to be hospitalized, indicating poor prognosis.

[New therapeutic goals in inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Nouveaux objectifs thérapeutiques dans les maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic, progressive, destructive and disabling conditions. So far therapeutic strategies based only on the relief of symptoms did not change the natural history of inflammatory bowel diseases (BD). In Crohn's disease the concept of deep remission, which includes clinical and inflammatory (endoscopic and biologic) remission, is emerging. In ulcerative colitis, evidence accumulates to recommend achieving and maintaining mucosal healing as assessed by proctosigmoidoscopy. Whether histologic remission is the ultimate therapeutic goal in ulcerative colitis will require further investigation. These new therapeutic targets may be the best way to change disease course (hospitalizations, surgery) and to prevent disability in IBD.

[Natural history of intestinal lesions in inflammatory bowel disease]. / Histoire naturelle de l'atteinte intestinale des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin.

Crohn's disease may involve any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, but affects mainly the distal ileum and the,colon. At diagnosis, perianal lesions are observed in 20% of the cases. During the disease course, strictures develop in the majority of patients with ileal disease, while penetrating lesions (fistulas and abscesses) develop in half of the patients. Only one third of patients with colonic involvement will develop structuring or penetrating lesions. Intestinal lesions of ulcerative colitis involve constantly the rectum and may extend continuously throughout the colon. At diagnosis, lesions involve the rectum, the left colon and most of the colon in similar proportions. Subsequent extension of the lesions over 20 years is observed in half of the patients. In Crohn's disease, 40%-50% of the patients require intestinal resection at 10 years. The risk of colectomy in ulcerative colitis is about 1% per year Dysplasia and cancer may complicate longstanding extensive colonic lesions in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Malignant transformation of chronic inflammatory lesions may also occur in patients with longstanding lesions of the small bowel in Crohn's disease.

[Management of intestinal complications in inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Traitement des complications digestives des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin.

The evolution of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications. For Crohn's disease (CD), it is mainly strictures, fistulas and abdominal or pelvic abscess in luminal forms and perianal lesions (ulcers, fissures, fistula/abscess) in the perineal forms. For ulcerative colitis (UC), main complications are severe flare up and dysplasia/cancer. In Crohn's disease, stenosis can be treated medically in first line (steroid-immunosupppresseurs or antiTNF) especially when the inflammatory component is predominant or in extensive lesions. In case of limited lesions (< 4 cm) and low inflammatory component, endoscopic dilatation can be propose before surgery, especially in patients previously operated on. Abdomino-pelvic abscess should be drained if the size is greater than 4-5 cm and treated with antibiotics. If obstructive signs are present after the resolution of the abscess, surgery is usually required. In some cases, an antiTNF therapy can be discussed (ongoing trial with the GETAID). Surgery during the MC should be performed laparoscopically, particularly in uncomplicated forms (first ileocecal resection) but also whenever possible for complicated diseases. Anoperineal abscess must be drained by non-tight setons. Medical treatment also involves antibiotics and antiTNF, usually in combotherapy. Biological glue is especially interesting in simple fistulas. Collagen plugs have not demonstrated efficacy in simple or complex perianal Crohn's disease fistulas and may have a deleterious effect. They are therefore not recommended. Severe UC flare up are still conventionally treated with corticosteroids IV for 3-5 days, followed in case of failure of a 2nd line treatment with infliximab or ciclosporin. The place of emergency colectomy had regressed due to the effectiveness of medical treatments.

[Clinical characteristics of infants with allergic proctocolitis: a retrospective study of 96 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical characteristics of hospitalized infants with allergic proctocolitis, and to provide a scientific basis for early diagnosis and effective treatment of allergic proctocolitis. METHODS: The clinical data of 96 infants with allergic proctocolitis between September 2011 and March 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess the clinical characteristics of allergic proctocolitis. RESULTS: The most common clinical manifestation was diarrhea in the 96 infants. The electronic colonoscopy results indicated that 40% of the infants had multiple small nodules, 26% showed focal erythema and brittle mucous membranes, 25% showed multiple superficial erosion, and 9% showed ulcers with surface exudates. The affected areas included the sigmoid colon (87%), rectum (24%), descending colon (13%), and transverse colon ascending colon and ileocecal junction (8%). Histopathologic examination showed eosinophilic infiltration of mucosal layers, the condition of which was mild to moderate in 89% and severe and extremely severe in 12% of the infants. To treat the allergic proctocolitis, mothers and infants were suggested to avoid allergenic foods; 43% of them continued breastfeeding, 45% switched to highly hydrolyzed protein formula, and 13% were prescribed amino acid-based elemental formula. All infants were in complete remission at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: As the clinical manifestations of allergic proctocolitis in infants lack specificity, the electronic colonoscopy and mucosal histopathologic examination are helpful for early and differential diagnosis. The best treatment is to avoid allergenic foods. Formula-feeding infants should be prescribed highly hydrolyzed protein formula or amino acid-based elemental formula.

Gastrointestinal food allergy in infants.

Food allergies are classified into three types, "IgE-mediated," "combined IgE- and cell-mediated" and "cell-mediated/non-IgE-mediated," depending on the involvement of IgE in their pathogenesis. Patients who develop predominantly cutaneous and/or respiratory symptoms belong to the IgE-mediated food allergy type. On the other hand, patients with gastrointestinal food allergy (GI allergy) usually develop gastrointestinal symptoms several hours after ingestion of offending foods; they belong to the cell-mediated/non-IgE-mediated or combined IgE- and cell-mediated food allergy types. GI allergies are also classified into a number of different clinical entities: food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), food protein-induced proctocolitis (FPIP), food protein-induced enteropathy (Enteropathy) and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID). In the case of IgE-mediated food allergy, the diagnostic approaches and pathogenic mechanisms are well characterized. In contrast, the diagnostic approaches and pathogenic mechanisms of GI allergy remain mostly unclear. In this review, we summarized each type of GI allergy in regard to its historical background and updated clinical features, offending foods, etiology, diagnosis, examinations, treatment and pathogenesis. There are still many problems, especially in regard to the diagnostic approaches for GI allergy, that are closely associated with the definition of each disease. In addition, there are a number of unresolved issues regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of GI allergy that need further study and elucidation. Therefore, we discussed some of the diagnostic and research issues for GI allergy that need further investigation.

[Value of dual-time-point (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose integrated positron emission and computed tomography in differentiation of malignant from benign gastrointestinal diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of dual-time-point (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose integrated positron emission and computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET-CT) in differentiation of malignant from benign gastrointestinal diseases. METHODS: Sixty five patients with suspected gastrointestinal lesions underwent dual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging. Standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated for semi-quantitative assessment. The SUV of the two acquisitions were signed SUV(early) and SUV(delayed), respectively. Then the change of SUVmax (ΔSUVmax) was calculated. The ROC curves of the SUV(early), SUV(delayed) and ΔSUV were drawn to find the best cut-off point value for differential diagnosis, and then the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated, respectively. RESULTS: Of the malignant lesions, the SUVmax in delayed imaging were significantly higher than those in early imaging, while there were no significant differences of SUVmax between the two images of the benign lesions. The ΔSUVmax of the malignant lesions were significantly higher than that of the benign ones. Taking the SUVmax higher than 9.2 in early imaging as positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity was 72.7%, the specificity was 85.7%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 60.0%, and the accuracy was 76.9%. Taking the SUVmax higher than 10.9 in delayed imaging as positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity was 75.0%, the specificity was 90.5%, the positive predictive value was 94.3%, the negative predictive value was 63.3%, and the accuracy was 80.0%. Taking the ΔSUVmax higher than 5.1% as positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity was 95.5%, the specificity was 85.7%, the positive predictive value was 93.3%, the negative predictive value was 90.0%, and the accuracy was 92.3%. The accuracy of dual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging was significantly higher than that of single-time point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging. CONCLUSION: Dual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging is a useful method for differentiating malignant from benign gastrointestinal diseases, and it is superior to the single-time point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging.

Acute rectocolitis following endoscopy in health check-up patients--glutaraldehyde colitis or ischemic colitis?

PURPOSE: Acute rectocolitis is a rare complication that follows endoscopy. It could be caused by glutaraldehyde or ischemic injury. The clinical, endoscopic, radiological, and pathological features of glutaraldehyde-induced colitis may mimic those of ischemic colitis. We reported our experiences regarding this problem. METHODS: The medical records of patients with acute rectocolitis following endoscopy treated at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital since 2001 were reviewed. The indication of endoscopy was health check-up for all patients. Published English-language studies regarding acute rectocolitis following endoscopy were also reviewed. RESULTS: An outbreak of six patients occurred in April 2002 and one cirrhotic patient was admitted in July 2008. All patients developed a self-limited syndrome of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea within 48 h of uncomplicated endoscopy. One severely ill patient required hospitalization to receive intravenous fluid and antibiotics. After the investigation in April 2002, glutaraldehyde-induced colitis was diagnosed due to a defect in the endoscope-cleansing procedure. There were no any deficiencies in the cleansing procedure in July 2008. Considering the patient's concomitant disease, we postulated that ischemic colitis with cirrhosis-related intestinal inflammation and endotoxemia was the possible diagnosis in this sporadic case. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopists should be aware of this iatrogenic complication in patients presenting with acute rectocolitis, especially in those who have undergone recent endoscopic examination. An outbreak of acute rectocolitis following endoscopy should be considered glutaraldehyde-induced and should lead to an investigation of cleansing and equipment-disinfection procedures. In the absence of strong evidence of an outbreak, an infectious disease, or contamination of glutaraldehyde, a sporadic case should be considered ischemic colitis especially in patients with relevant concomitant diseases or predisposing factors.

Dietary protein-induced proctocolitis in childhood.

Cow's milk protein-induced proctocolitis presents with overt rectal bleeding in otherwise healthy infants and is characterized by an eosinophilic infiltrate of the left colonic mucosa. Although it is the most common cause of proctocolitis in infancy, dietary protein-induced proctocolitis had hardly ever been reported in childhood so far. We hereby report 16 otherwise healthy children aged 2-14 yr, who presented over a 6-yr period with persistent or recurrent rectal bleeding related to a mild form of left-sided colitis characterized by a prominent eosinophilic infiltration, focal lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, and a prompt clinical and histological response to a cow's milk-free diet. No patient had a history of food-induced proctocolitis during infancy, and most patients did not show an IgE-mediated response to cow's milk protein. Half of the patients did have other gastrointestinal symptoms, but no systemic symptoms were present and other causes of colitis were excluded by appropriate investigation. Tolerance to cow's milk protein developed in half of the patients within a year. Dietary protein-induced proctocolitis is a relatively common cause of overt rectal bleeding in childhood, and its features are remarkably similar to those of dietary protein-induced proctocolitis of infancy.

An unusual case of hematochezia: acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis.

Acute ischemia of the rectum is uncommon and usually occurs after aorto-iliac surgery. In this report, we present a case of acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis that developed from a brief episode of hypotension. An 85-year-old male presented to the emergency room with hypotension, mental confusion, and passage of maroon-colored stool. He was resuscitated and treated for presumed sepsis. Computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis displayed signs of acute inflammation of the distal colon and rectum. Endoscopic findings and microscopic examination of the rectal biopsy revealed changes consistent with acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis. An evaluation for infectious etiologies was negative. The patient's clinical condition improved over the next 24 h with supportive care. Involvement of the rectum is rare in ischemic colitis because of its abundant collateral blood supply. Acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities presenting with hematochezia.

Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's rectosigmoidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of laparoscopic restoration of bowel continuity post Hartmann's procedure. METHOD: A prospectively electronic database of colorectal laparoscopic procedures between April 2001 and December 2006 has been used to identify surgical outcomes in 28 consecutive patients who have undergone laparoscopic reversal of an open Hartmann's procedure (LRH). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (11 males), median age 66 (32-89), median body mass index 26 have undergone an attempted LRH over a 5-year period. Twenty (71%) had undergone surgery for complicated diverticulitis, eight (29%) for cancer; two followed an anastomotic dehiscence post-laparoscopic high anterior resection. The median operation time was 80 min (40-255 min). Twenty-six procedures (93%) were completed laparoscopically. There was one late conversion (to release a small bowel loop from the pelvis). A small, fibrotic rectal stump split whilst attempting a stapled anastomosis - the procedure was abandoned. The median time to normal diet was 18 h and median hospital stay was 3 days (1-63). There were three (11%) readmissions; wound infection (two) and abdominal pain. There were two deaths (7%) - mesenteric emboli and anticoagulant induced upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that in the hands of appropriately trained and experienced surgeons, laparoscopic 'reversal' of a Hartmann's procedure is a feasible, safe and largely predictive operation that allows for early return of gastrointestinal function and very early hospital discharge.

Gastrointestinal food allergy in Ghanaian children: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs reproducibly on exposure to a given food. Food allergies are classified into three types: Ig(immunoglobulin)E mediated, mixed IgE and cell mediated and cell-mediated non IgE mediated. Gastrointestinal (GIT) food allergy has classically encompassed a number of different clinical entities: food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), food protein-induced proctocolitis (FPIP), food protein-induced enteropathy and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID). CASE PRESENTATIONS: These are 5 cases of infants and toddlers who presented with various features of gastrointestinal food allergies, the commonest of which is lower gastrointestinal bleed. Two infants on exclusive breast feeding, presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding and these resolved with maternal dietary milk and all dairy elimination. The third infant had rectal bleeding at age 6 months after the introduction of infant formula. The bleeding and eczema resolved with the introduction of hydrolyzed formula. One of the toddlers presented with severe eczema and malnutrition which improved with 6 food elimination. The last case had massive lower gastrointestinal bleed which resulted in hemicolectomy with no improvement until dietary elimination was instituted. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal food allergy is not uncommon in children in Ghana. A high index of suspicion is required to make the right diagnosis, to minimize morbidity and unnecessary therapy. SOURCE OF FUNDING: None.

Diversion proctocolitis and response to treatment with short-chain fatty acids--a clinicopathological study in children.

OBJECTIVE: Diversion proctocolitis (DPC) frequently develops in the colorectum after diversion of the fecal stream characterized by bleeding from the inflamed mucosa. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are responsible for growth and differentiation of enterocytes. Adult series have reported variable response of DPC to luminal SCFA. There is dearth of studies in children. We aimed to study incidence, clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological characteristics of DPC and effect of SCFA in children. METHODS: Prospectively clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological evaluation was done for DPC in children undergoing fecal diversion. Patient characteristics, type and duration of stoma, symptoms, endoscopy and biopsy findings, duration of treatment and response to SCFA, time of closure of stoma, and any associated gut anomaly were recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen children completed the study. Anorectal malformation was the commonest indication for stoma. Sixty percent were symptomatic within 2-9 months, excessive mucous discharge being the commonest symptom. All had at least one positive endoscopic finding; erythema, edema, and exudates being the commonest findings. All DPCs improved clinically and endoscopically following SCFA. Histological resolution was seen in 78 %, while 22 % had persistent disease. Closure of stoma showed complete resolution of DPC. CONCLUSION: DPC was common (87 %) following stoma formation in children with strong male preponderance (6.5:1). The commonest indication for stoma was anorectal malformation (67 %). Clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological changes appeared within 2-9 months with symptomatic DPC in 60 %. All patients (100 %) had at least one positive endoscopic finding, histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. SCFA led to symptomatic, endoscopic, and histopathological resolution of DPCs. Closure of stoma cured all the persistent DPCs.

Follicular proctocolitis and neuromatous hyperplasia with lymphogranuloma venereum.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by certain immunotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis. Proctitis due to LGV may be histologically indistinguishable from Crohn's disease of the rectum, thereby creating a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The pathologic features found at autopsy at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 28 patients in whom LGV had been diagnosed clinically were reviewed, with the clinical features, to determine whether any of those features could be used to distinguish between LGV and Crohn's colitis. The results showed that although many of the pathologic findings in the intestines of subjects with LGV were similar to those observed in patients with Crohn's disease, the distribution of lesions in the colons of subjects with LGV was distinctly different from that observed in patients with Crohn's colitis. With LGV, the salient histopathologic lesions consisted of follicular lymphohistiocytic-plasma cell infiltrates in the submucosa, muscularis propria, and serosa; neuromatous hyperplasia in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses; and extensive thickening and fibrosis of the bowel wall. The rectum was uniformly involved by these processes and, in addition, had deep ulceration and fissuring, while more proximal segments of the colon were generally spared of severe chronic inflammation. Thus, the colonic lesions of LGV have a distal left-sided predominance, in contrast to the usual right-sided predominance with rectal sparing in Crohn's colitis.