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Li MH, Ruan GC, Zhou WX, Li XQ, Zhang SY, Chen Y, Bai XY, Yang H, Zhang YJ, Zhao PY, Li J, Li JN. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and long-term prognosis of adult autoimmune enteropathy: Experience from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2523-2537. [PMID: 38817655 PMCID: PMC11135415 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i19.2523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare disease whose diagnosis and long-term prognosis remain challenging, especially for adult AIE patients. AIM To improve overall understanding of this disease's diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, endoscopic and histopathological characteristics and prognoses of 16 adult AIE patients in our tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2023, whose diagnosis was based on the 2007 diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Diarrhea in AIE patients was characterized by secretory diarrhea. The common endoscopic manifestations were edema, villous blunting and mucosal hyperemia in the duodenum and ileum. Villous blunting (100%), deep crypt lymphocytic infiltration (67%), apoptotic bodies (50%), and mild intraepithelial lymphocytosis (69%) were observed in the duodenal biopsies. Moreover, there were other remarkable abnormalities, including reduced or absent goblet cells (duodenum 94%, ileum 62%), reduced or absent Paneth cells (duodenum 94%, ileum 69%) and neutrophil infiltration (duodenum 100%, ileum 69%). Our patients also fulfilled the 2018 diagnostic criteria but did not match the 2022 diagnostic criteria due to undetectable anti-enterocyte antibodies. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy as the initial medication, of which 14/16 patients achieved a clinical response in 5 (IQR: 3-20) days. Immunosuppressants were administered to 9 patients with indications of steroid dependence (6/9), steroid refractory status (2/9), or intensified maintenance medication (1/9). During the median of 20.5 months of follow-up, 2 patients died from multiple organ failure, and 1 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The cumulative relapse-free survival rates were 62.5%, 55.6% and 37.0% at 6 months, 12 months and 48 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Certain histopathological findings, including a decrease or disappearance of goblet and Paneth cells in intestinal biopsies, might be potential diagnostic criteria for adult AIE. The long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory despite corticosteroid and immunosuppressant medications, which highlights the need for early diagnosis and novel medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Han Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ge-Chong Ruan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wei-Xun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Scinences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yu-Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Peng-Yu Zhao
- Affairs Office, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital (West campus), Beijing 100032, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jing-Nan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
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van Wanrooij RLJ, Neefjes-Borst EA, Bontkes HJ, Schreurs MWJ, Langerak AW, Mulder CJJ, Bouma G. Adult-Onset Autoimmune Enteropathy in an European Tertiary Referral Center. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00387. [PMID: 34333499 PMCID: PMC8323799 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adult-onset autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare cause of severe chronic diarrhea because of small intestinal villous atrophy. We report on patients with adult-onset AIE in an European referral center. METHODS Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with AIE in the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, between January 2003 and December 2019. Clinical, serological, and histological features and response to treatment were reported. The specificity of antienterocyte antibodies (AEA) was evaluated by examining the prevalence of AEA in (i) controls (n = 30) and in patients with (ii) AIE (n = 13), (iii) celiac disease (CD, n = 52), (iv) refractory celiac disease type 2 (n = 18), and (v) enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL, n = 10). RESULTS Thirteen AIE patients were included, 8 women (62%), median age of 52 years (range 23-73), and 6 (46%) with an autoimmune disease. AEA were observed in 11 cases (85%), but were also found in CD (7.7%), refractory celiac disease type 2 (16.7%), and EATL (20%). Ten patients (77%) were human leukocyte antigen DQ2.5 heterozygous. Total parenteral nutrition was required in 8 cases (62%). Steroids induced clinical remission in 8 cases (62%). Step-up therapy with rituximab, cyclosporine, infliximab, and cladribine in steroid-refractory patients was only moderately effective. Four patients died (31%), but 4 (31%) others are in long-term drug-free remission after receiving immunosuppressive treatment, including 1 patient who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. DISCUSSION Adult-onset AIE is a rare but severe enteropathy that occurs in patients susceptible for autoimmune disease. Four patients (31%) died secondary to therapy-refractory malabsorption, while immunosuppressive therapy leads to a long-lasting drug-free remission in one-third of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy L J van Wanrooij
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AGEM Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hetty J Bontkes
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, AGEM Research Institute, AI & I Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco W J Schreurs
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chris J J Mulder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AGEM Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AGEM Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Hartl C, Finke J, Hasselblatt P, Kreisel W, Schmitt-Graeff A. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of unclassifiable enteropathies with increased intraepithelial CD103 + CD8 + T lymphocytes: a single center case series. Scand J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:889-898. [PMID: 34057863 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.1931958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Hartl
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Finke
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hasselblatt
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreisel
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Adult autoimmune enteropathy in autoimmune hepatitis patient. Case report and literature review. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101673. [PMID: 33744411 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare disease characterized by prolonged diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss; although it is mainly a rare pediatric disease, over the years a number of adults have also been found to be affected. In this study, we present a case report of a 73-year-old woman with a history of autoimmune hepatitis, antinuclear (ANA) and positive anti-enterocyte antibodies (AEA), who has suffered two months of intractable diarrhea, nausea, anorexia and severe weight loss. The histological examination of the endoscopic duodenal mucosa biopsies revealed severe shortening and flattening of the villi, resulting in mucosal atrophy. The immunohistochemical study revealed a polymorphic lymphoid population, exhibiting a B cell (CD20+) phenotype in follicles and a T cell phenotype (CD3+) in the diffuse component within the lamina propria. Our patient had a complete recovery after two weeks of taking prednisone and following a gluten-rich diet. To our knowledge this is the first case of autoimmune enteropathy in adults with ANA and AEA 7 years after a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. To date, the patient is still in clinical remission on a low dose of orally administered predinisone without any additional immunosuppression.
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Acute Flare of Adult-Onset Autoimmune Enteropathy Associated With Cyclophosphamide. ACG Case Rep J 2021; 8:e00541. [PMID: 33634202 PMCID: PMC7901791 DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Lie E, Sung S, Yang SH. Adult autoimmune enteropathy presenting initially with acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: a case report. BMC DERMATOLOGY 2017; 17:7. [PMID: 28521835 PMCID: PMC5437591 DOI: 10.1186/s12895-017-0059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare dermatitis secondary to zinc deficiency most commonly seen as an inherited disease in infants. In the last decade, increased number of reports have been published on the acquired form that presents in adulthood. Unlike its inherited counterpart, acquired AE (AAE) is often secondary to underlying pathologic or iatrogenic etiologies that interfere with nutritional absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease or alcoholism. Various gastrointestinal pathologies have been associated with AAE, but there is currently no report on its association with adult autoimmune enteropathy (AIE), a rare gastrointestinal disorder commonly seen in infants, with limited cases reported in adults. Here we present a case in which AAE was the initial clinical manifestation in an adult patient subsequently diagnosed with AIE. Case presentation A 41-year-old African American female presented to our emergency department at the Johns Hopkins Hospital with several months of progressively worsening dermatitis in the legs and acral regions, along with worsening symptoms of diarrhea, alopecia, poor oral intake, lethargy, hematochezia, peripheral edema, and weight loss. Our dermatology team was consulted given a presentation of exquisitely tender, erythematous, and diffusely desquamating skin lesions in the setting of two prior outside hospitalizations in the last 3 months with the same dermatitis that was refractory to topical and oral corticosteroids. Low serum zinc level and positive response to zinc supplementation confirmed the diagnosis of AAE. However, persistent hypovitaminosis and mineral deficiency despite aggressive nutritional supplementation prompted further investigation for an underlying malabsorption etiology. Jejunal biopsy and associated autoantibodies confirmed a diagnosis of adult AIE. Conclusion This case highlights the fact that adult AIE can present initially with clinical findings of AE. While proper zinc supplementation can resolve the latter, recognizing this association can trigger earlier diagnosis, minimize unnecessary tests, and establish earlier intervention to improve quality of life and prevent recurrence of AAE. The case also highlights the importance of collaboration between general and subspecialist physicians in identifying a primary etiology to a secondary clinical presentation. This report can be beneficial to general internists and emergency physicians, as much as it can be to dermatologists, rheumatologists, and gastroenterologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Lie
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 200 North Wolfe Street, Unit 2106, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Sarah Sung
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, Koch CRB II, Unit 206, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Steven Hoseong Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, Koch CRB II, Unit 206, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
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Ierardi E, Losurdo G, Iannone A, Piscitelli D, Amoruso A, Barone M, Principi M, Pisani A, Di Leo A. Lymphocytic duodenitis or microscopic enteritis and gluten-related conditions: what needs to be explored? Ann Gastroenterol 2017; 30:380-392. [PMID: 28655974 PMCID: PMC5479990 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2017.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microscopic enteritis (ME) is characterized by abnormal infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes in intestinal mucosa. It was described as duodenal lymphocytosis or lymphocytic duodenitis until the dedicated Consensus Conference of 2015. ME represents a common feature of several gluten-mediated and non-gluten related diseases; therefore, it is an umbrella term embracing several conditions. The most frequent causes of ME are gluten-related disorders (celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy), Helicobacter pylori infection and drug-related damages. Less frequently, ME may be secondary to inflammatory bowel disease, some autoimmune conditions, immunoglobulin deficiencies, blood malignancies, infections and irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of ME may be challenging. The diagnosis of ME needs to be driven by predominant symptoms and patient history. However, it is often difficult to achieve an immediate identification of the underlying condition, and a broad variety of diagnostic tests may be required. Ultimately, long-term surveillance is needed for a final diagnosis in many cases, since a hidden or quiescent condition may be disclosed after a period of latency. In any case, strict collaboration between the clinician and the pathologist is pivotal. The treatment of ME should be personalized, depending on the underlying disease. For gluten-related conditions (celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, dermatitis herpetiformis), a gluten-free diet may be proposed. For other conditions, a targeted etiologic treatment is necessary. In conclusion, ME represents a novel entity that is attracting increasing interest. The growing epidemiologic trend confirms that it will become a common condition in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Ierardi
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
- Correspondence to: Prof. Enzo Ierardi, Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, AOU Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, Bari, University of Bari, Italy, Tel.: +39 080 5594033, Fax: +39 080 5593088, e-mail:
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
| | - Andrea Iannone
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
| | - Domenico Piscitelli
- Section of Pathology (Domenico Piscitelli), Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, AOU Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, Bari, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Annacinzia Amoruso
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
| | - Michele Barone
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
| | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Section of Gastroenterology (Enzo Ierardi, Giuseppe Losurdo, Andrea Iannone, Annacinzia Amoruso, Michele Barone, Mariabeatrice Principi, Antonio Pisani, Alfredo Di Leo)
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Gastrointestinal biopsy findings of autoimmune enteropathy: a review of 25 cases. Am J Surg Pathol 2014; 38:1319-29. [PMID: 25188868 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000000317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare disorder characterized by severe diarrhea and small intestinal mucosal atrophy resulting from immune-mediated injury. It remains a challenging diagnosis because of its clinicopathologic variability. To better understand its histopathologic features, we describe the gastrointestinal biopsy findings of 25 patients, including children and adults. The most common finding on small intestinal biopsy (13/25 cases, 52%) was villous blunting, expansion of the lamina propria by mixed but predominantly mononuclear inflammation, and neutrophilic cryptitis with or without crypt microabscesses. In 5 cases (20%), the duodenum exhibited changes indistinguishable from celiac disease, with villous blunting and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Increased crypt apoptosis with minimal inflammation, resembling acute graft-versus-host disease, was observed in 4 cases (16%). The remaining 3 cases (12%) exhibited a mixture of 2 or more of the above patterns. Mucosal abnormalities outside the small intestine were present in all 24 cases with available biopsies (100%), with the stomach most commonly affected (19/22 cases, 86%), followed by the colon (14/22, 64%) and esophagus (5/18, 28%). Findings in non-small intestinal sites were variable and included mixed active and chronic inflammation, chronic inflammation alone, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, and increased apoptosis resembling acute graft-versus-host disease. In summary, AIE most commonly presents as an active enteritis with villous blunting and expansion of the lamina propria by mixed inflammation. Mucosal abnormalities are frequently seen elsewhere in the gut. AIE may thus be better regarded as a pan-gastrointestinal autoimmune disorder, and biopsies from sites other than the small intestine may greatly facilitate its diagnosis.
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Bishu S, Arsenescu V, Lee EY, Vargas HD, de Villiers WJS, Arsenescu R. Autoimmune enteropathy with a CD8+ CD7- T-cell small bowel intraepithelial lymphocytosis: case report and literature review. BMC Gastroenterol 2011; 11:131. [PMID: 22126605 PMCID: PMC3287162 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-11-131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adult onset autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare condition characterized by diarrhea refractory to dietary therapy diagnosed in patients with evidence of autoimmune conditions. Auto-antibodies to gut epithelial cells and other tissues are commonly demonstrated. Despite increasing awareness, the pathogenesis, histologic, immunologic and clinical features of AIE remain uncertain. There remains controversy regarding the diagnostic criteria, the frequency and types of auto-antibodies and associated autoimmune conditions, and the extent and types of histologic and immunologic abnormalities. CD4+ T-cells are thought to at least responsible for this condition; whether other cell types, including B- and other T-cell subsets are involved, are uncertain. We present a unique case of AIE associated with a CD8+CD7- lymphocytosis and review the literature to characterize the histologic and immunologic abnormalities, and the autoantibodies and autoimmune conditions associated with AIE. Case Presentation We present a case of immune mediated enteropathy distinguished by the CD8+CD7- intra-epithelial and lamina propria lymphocytosis. Twenty-nine cases of AIE have been reported. The majority of patients had auto-antibodies (typically anti-enterocyte), preferential small bowel involvement, and predominately CD3+ CD4+ infiltrates. Common therapies included steroids or immuno-suppressive agents and clinical response with associated with histologic improvement. Conclusions AIE is most often characterized (1) IgG subclass anti-epithelial cell antibodies, (2) preferential small bowel involvement, and (3) CD3+ alphabeta TCR+ infiltrates; there is insufficient evidence to conclude CD4+ T-cells are solely responsible in all cases of AIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrinivas Bishu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
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Gonzalez G, Castro FP, Berho M, Petras R. Autoimmune enteropathy associated with cessation of interferon-alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis C. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:1490-3. [PMID: 19639409 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-009-0877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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11
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Lauwers GY, Fujita H, Nagata K, Shimizu M. Pathology of non-Helicobacter pylori gastritis: extending the histopathologic horizons. J Gastroenterol 2010; 45:131-45. [PMID: 19967418 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-009-0146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of modern endoscopic techniques, easier and greater access to healthcare, and interest in Helicobacter pylori infection and its implications have all led to a significant increase in upper endoscopies. In turn, gastroenterologists and pathologists have been recognizing an ever-increasing number of patterns of mucosal injury. Consequently, there is now an interest in a wider aspect of non-neoplastic gastric pathology, namely, non-HP (H. pylori) gastritis. In this review, we present major clinico-pathological entities, based on either the salient morphological features or the underlying etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Y Lauwers
- Gastrointestinal Pathology Service, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street WRN 2, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA.
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Akram S, Murray JA, Pardi DS, Alexander GL, Schaffner JA, Russo PA, Abraham SC. Adult autoimmune enteropathy: Mayo Clinic Rochester experience. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 5:1282-90; quiz 1245. [PMID: 17683994 PMCID: PMC2128725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2007.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Autoimmune enteropathy is a rare cause of intractable diarrhea associated with circulating gut autoantibodies and a predisposition to autoimmunity. It is rarely observed in adults, with only 11 cases reported to date. METHODS Fifteen adults with autoimmune enteropathy were identified at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from May 2001-June 2006. The demographic, clinical, and treatment data were abstracted from their records. RESULTS The study population was 87% white, 47% female, with median age of 55 years (interquartile range, 42-67 years). All patients had protracted diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Celiac disease was excluded by lack of response to gluten-free diet or absence of the celiac disease susceptibility HLA genotypes. Fourteen patients were tested for gut epithelial cell antibodies, and 93% were positive for anti-enterocyte and/or anti-goblet cell antibodies. Predisposition to autoimmune diseases was noted in 80%, as indicated by a variety of circulating autoantibodies. Small intestinal histopathologic findings included subtotal villous atrophy and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the lamina propria with relatively few surface intraepithelial lymphocytes. T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies were negative in all cases. Immunosuppressive therapy was required in 93% of cases. Clinical improvement was noted in 60% after 1-8 weeks of steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune enteropathy is a heterogeneous disease and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malabsorption and small bowel villous atrophy. The presence of gut epithelial cell antibodies can help confirm the diagnosis. No single agent is unequivocally effective in inducing remission, and immunosuppressive therapy is required in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Akram
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Joseph A. Murray
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Darrell S. Pardi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Glenn L. Alexander
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - John A. Schaffner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Pierre A. Russo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan C. Abraham
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
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Jara LJ, Navarro C, Brito-Zerón MDP, García-Carrasco M, Escárcega RO, Ramos-Casals M. Thyroid disease in Sjögren's syndrome. Clin Rheumatol 2007; 26:1601-6. [PMID: 17558463 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-007-0638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2007] [Revised: 04/07/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
From 1960 to 2007, an important number of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) along with thyroid disease diagnosed by laboratory data and clinical presentation were reported. The most common thyroid disorder found was autoimmune thyroiditis and the most common hormonal pattern was subclinical hypothyroidism. The coexistence of SS and thyroiditis is frequent and suggests a common genetic or environmental factor predisposition with similar pathogenic mechanisms. pSS was ten times more frequent in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and autoimmune thyroiditis was nine times more frequent in pSS. Therefore, SS should be studied in patients with thyroid disease and vice versa. Antigens are shared by both thyroid and salivary glands, which could be responsible for the association between both diseases. Immunogenetic studies had suggested that both diseases have a common genetic predisposition. pSS and thyroid disease patients were mostly women with positive antithyroglobulin, antiparietal cell and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. Thyroid dysfunction is frequent in pSS patients and those prone to develop thyroid disorders are identified by thyroid-related autoantibodies or by rheumatoid factor and anti-Ro/SSA activity. Patients with pSS have an increased tendency to develop other autoimmune diseases. Hypothyroidism was the most common autoimmune disease developed in pSS patients during follow-up of 10.5 years. Lymphomas are also associated with SS and thyroiditis and a 67-fold increased risk for thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and a 44-fold increased risk for parotid lymphoma is being attributed to autoimmune thyroiditis and pSS. It is suggested that immune mechanism deficiency is a causal factor for B cell lymphoma in pSS and autoimmune thyroid disease. Other studies are necessary to clarify the shared pathogenesis mechanism in SS and autoimmune thyroid disease and to understand this fascinating autoimmune association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis J Jara
- Direction of Education and Research, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico La Raza, IMSS, Seris y Zaachila s/n C.P., 02990, Mexico City, México.
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Abstract
The discovery of Helicobacter pylori and its intimate role in the development of the most common form of chronic gastritis has elicited a much-needed interest in non-neoplastic gastric pathology. This has been paralleled by an increase in upper endoscopic examinations, which allow recognition of novel patterns and distribution of mucosal injury. Numerous attempts at classification have been made, most based on the acuteness or chronicity of gastric mucosal injury. In this review, we will not offer a new classification but present a detailed description of the major clinicopathological entities, based either on the salient morphological features or the underlying aetiologies, i.e. iatrogenic, autoimmune, vascular or idiopathic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Nakamura H, Kawakami A, Eguchi K. Mechanisms of autoantibody production and the relationship between autoantibodies and the clinical manifestations in Sjögren's syndrome. Transl Res 2006; 148:281-8. [PMID: 17162248 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2006.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2006] [Revised: 07/10/2006] [Accepted: 07/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The major target organs of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are lacrimal glands and salivary glands where prominent lymphocytic infiltration occurs, which may induce varying levels of autoantibody production. Multiple factors, including environmental stress, viral infection, hormonal imbalance, and apoptosis, are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of SS. Production of anti-SS-A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La antibodies is thought to be regulated by the presentation of autoantigens in context with an aberrant expression pattern of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in situ. Molecular mimicry with some viral sequences is also hypothesized. The apoptosis-resistance phenotype of B cells in labial salivary glands (LSGs) of SS is important in autoantibody production. CD40/CD40L (CD40 ligand) and Bcl-2 family proteins, in tandem with B cell-activating factor (BAFF), are supposed to protect infiltrating lymphocytes from apoptosis. Anti-muscarinic3 receptor antibody plays an important role in cholinergic hyperresponsiveness in SS. Fragmentation of autoantigens such as SS-B/La or alfa-fodrin during the process of apoptosis causes the redistribution of these autoantigens, leading to the production of autoantibodies in SS. In this review, the role of autoantibodies found in SS, corresponding to clinical aspects of each antibody as well as the mechanisms of production, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Nakamura
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Jevremovic D, Torbenson M, Murray JA, Burgart LJ, Abraham SC. Atrophic Autoimmune Pangastritis: A Distinctive Form of Antral and Fundic Gastritis Associated With Systemic Autoimmune Disease. Am J Surg Pathol 2006; 30:1412-9. [PMID: 17063082 DOI: 10.1097/01.pas.0000213337.25111.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The 2 major recognized forms of atrophic gastritis are autoimmune and environmental atrophic gastritis. These differ in their topographical distribution in the stomach, histologic features, and etiology. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis results from immune-mediated destruction of specialized oxyntic glands, is restricted to the body and fundus, and shows characteristic neuroendocrine hyperplasia. Environmental atrophic gastritis is associated with long-standing Helicobacter pylori infection and preferentially involves antrum and transition zone mucosa. In this study, we describe a distinctive form of atrophic gastritis that differs markedly from both of these classic variants. This gastritis is characterized by: (1) intense mucosal inflammatory infiltrates, persisting even into the phase of severe glandular atrophy, (2) pangastric distribution with diffuse involvement of both body and antrum, (3) lack of association with H. pylori, and (4) lack of neuroendocrine hyperplasia. The 8 patients presented ranged from 1 to 75 years and showed a slight female predominance (5F:3M). All had systemic autoimmune and/or connective tissue diseases including autoimmune enterocolitis (4 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus, refractory sprue, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and disabling fibromyalgia. Positive serum autoimmune markers were documented in 7 of 8 (87%) patients, but serologies for antiparietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were undertaken in only 1 patient each and were negative. We propose that the distinctive histology of this form of atrophic pangastritis and its association with systemic autoimmune disease suggests an autoimmune process directed against multiple cell lineages in the stomach. The development of multifocal low-grade dysplasia in 1 patient, a 19-year-old woman, suggests that this condition might have neoplastic potential.
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Al Khalidi H, Kandel G, Streutker CJ. Enteropathy with loss of enteroendocrine and Paneth cells in a patient with immune dysregulation: a case of adult autoimmune enteropathy. Hum Pathol 2006; 37:373-6. [PMID: 16613334 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2005.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a relatively rare condition found most frequently in children. It presents with persistent watery diarrhea and malabsorption and may require total parenteral nutrition for nutritional support. Rare cases have been reported in adults. On histology, the small intestinal villi are flattened but lack the intraepithelial lymphocytosis of celiac disease. In children and rarely in adults, some cases are linked to the IPEX syndrome (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked inheritance). We report a 21-year-old man who presented with chronic persistent diarrhea for 4 years. The duodenal biopsies showed villous blunting, chronic inflammation, and decreased to absent goblet cells, Paneth cells, and endocrine cells by histology and electron microscopy. These changes are consistent with an AIE with involvement of non-enterocyte populations. Pathologists must be aware of the possibility of AIE in adults and consider it in the differential diagnosis of duodenitis, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, and small bowel villous flattening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Al Khalidi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Elwing JE, Clouse RE. Adult-onset autoimmune enteropathy in the setting of thymoma successfully treated with infliximab. Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:928-32. [PMID: 15906770 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-005-2666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Elwing
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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León F, Olivencia P, Rodríguez-Pena R, Sánchez L, Redondo C, Alvarez I, Moreira V, Roy G. Clinical and immunological features of adult-onset generalized autoimmune gut disorder. Am J Gastroenterol 2004; 99:1563-71. [PMID: 15307878 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2004.40039.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autoimmune enteropathy is a rare disorder of unknown pathogenesis, characterized by protracted diarrhea, villous atrophy, and enterocyte autoantibodies. Its association with extended inflammation of the whole gastrointestinal tract is termed as generalized autoimmune gut disorder (GAGD), generally a pediatric disease of difficult management due to its association with immunodeficiency. The aim of our work is to describe the mucosal immunological basis of an adult-onset case of GAGD. METHODS We studied an adult female with a severe inflammatory involvement of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large bowel, and liver) and antienterocyte autoantibodies. She had antibody deficiency and a predisposition to systemic autoimmunity. We analyzed, by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, the phenotypic and functional characteristics of her intestinal intraepithelial and lamina propria (LP) lymphocytes. RESULTS We observed the prominent and constant presence of an unusual CD4+alphaE/beta7- Tc subset in the jejunal epithelium. Signs of the lymphocyte activation as well as the prominent lymphoid TNF-alpha production observed in the rectal mucosa support the involvement of a cell-mediated pro-inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of GAGD. CONCLUSIONS We report the second case of an adult fulfilling all diagnostic criteria for GAGD. We propose that the activated LP CD4+ T lymphocytes, as well as those atypically located in the epithelium, may play a pathogenic role. The alphaE/beta7- IEL could constitute a diagnostic marker of intestinal autoimmunity in the cases when autoantibodies are not evidenced, and mucosal TNF-alpha might represent a novel therapeutic target in this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco León
- Departments of Immunology, Gastroenterology, and Pathology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
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