title: Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.
abstract: Collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are newly recognized causes of chronic watery diarrhea that typically affect middle-aged patients. Although endoscopic studies are normal, inflammatory changes and (in the case of collagenous colitis) collagen deposition occur histologically in the colonic mucosa. The pathogenesis of these disorders remains a mystery, but the possible causes are intriguing. Patients may experience spontaneous remissions and relapses, but treatment with sulfasalazine or prednisone is usually effective for patients with distressing symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zeroogian
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chopra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003092:Colitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003095:Collagen Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged