Clinical significance of granuloma in Crohn’s disease

Magnifying Endoscopy With Narrow Band Imaging for Graft Failure and Disease Recurrence in Patients With Crohn Disease After Intestinal Transplantation: 2 Case Reports

Crohn disease (CD) is one of the most common causes of short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure. Intestinal transplantation (IT) is sometimes needed for patients with CD who develop intestinal failure after multiple intestinal resections resulting from CD-related complications, such as uncontrollable bleeding and penetrating diseases. However, there have been few case reports concerning the endoscopic surveillance of patients with CD after IT. In this article, we present 2 patients with CD who underwent IT because of short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure. We administered posttransplantation immunosuppressants and conducted regular follow-up magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI). Both cases demonstrated favorable outcomes after surveillance with ME-NBI. In this report, we outline our post-IT follow-up strategies applying the VENCH scoring system, which is based on endoscopic features using ME-NBI to predict graft rejection. Our approach could effectively distinguish between acute cellular rejection and non-rejection, particularly disease recurrence of underlying CD. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH-105023-F). The patients provided written informed consent for publication.

Definitions of Histological Abnormalities in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: an ECCO Position Paper

Histological assessment of endoscopic biopsies in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] plays an important role in clinical management, investigative studies, and clinical trials. Scoring schemes consisting of multiple histological items and offering considerable precision are widely available. However, definitions of histological abnormalities are often inconsistent. Furthermore, interobserver variability for their recognition and assessment may be high. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] formed an expert panel to explore definitions of histological abnormalities in IBD, with the aim of improving the quality of diagnosis and facilitating development of scoring schemes. The process confirmed that the current definitions often have no evidence base and vary between sources. Using available evidence and expert knowledge, the panel produced a series of ECCO consensus position statements on histological features in IBD.

Granuloma Presence at Initial Surgery Predicts Need for Repeat Surgery Independent of Rutgeerts Score in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of Crohn's disease (CD) patients experience recurrence and need for repeat resections, highlighting need for prognostic biomarkers. Presence of epithelioid granuloma on surgical tissue and high Rutgeerts endoscopic score are associated with postoperative CD clinical recurrence. We sought to evaluate presence of epithelioid granuloma at first surgery and Rutgeerts score as a combined risk assessment for CD surgical recurrence.

METHODS

Our study included consented CD patients who underwent initial ileocecal resection and were prospectively followed postoperatively. From 2009 to 2019, 418 CD patients underwent initial ileocecal resection with >4 years of follow-up, including postoperative endoscopic assessment (Rutgeerts score).

RESULTS

Postoperative CD patients were grouped based on granuloma presence (30.6%; n = 128) or absence (69.4%; n = 290). Endoscopic recurrence (defined as Rutgeerts score ≥i2) was similar between the granuloma (26%) and no granuloma (25%) groups, respectively (P = .82). Patients with granuloma and CD endoscopic recurrence at first postoperative endoscopy had higher number of bowel surgeries compared with all other groups (no granuloma or CD endoscopic recurrence, P = .007; no granuloma but CD endoscopic recurrence present, P = .04; granuloma present and no CD endoscopic recurrence, P = .04). Epithelioid granuloma presence was associated with 1.65 times higher risk of subsequent surgery independently from first postoperative endoscopic recurrence Rutgeerts score.

CONCLUSIONS

Granuloma presence on initial surgical histology is immediately available and identifies high-risk CD patients who may benefit from early postoperative treatment, and these precision intervention trials are warranted.

Detection Rates of Non-Cavitary Epithelioid Cell Granuloma by Gastrointestinal Biopsy in Patients with Treatment-Naïve Crohn's Disease

Introduction

Detecting non-cavitary epithelioid cell granuloma by gastrointestinal biopsy is important in the initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD). In the present study, we aimed to determine the rate of granuloma detection by gastrointestinal biopsy according to the number of biopsies performed.

Methods

The present study included patients newly diagnosed with CD at our hospital between April 2017 and March 2023. During endoscopic examinations, biopsy specimens were taken from affected lesions. Initially, one section per biopsy was examined to detect granuloma. In cases where no granulomas were detected, step sections were additionally prepared and examined. The rate of granuloma detection by gastrointestinal biopsy was retrospectively examined.

Results

A total of 30 patients with a new diagnosis of CD were included in this study. In total, 284 gastrointestinal biopsies were performed in 29 cases. The rate of granuloma detection by gastrointestinal biopsy per case was 58.6% (17 out of 29 cases). The rate of granuloma detection by gastrointestinal biopsy per biopsy was 6.0% (17 out of 284 biopsies) on initial histological examination and 11.6% (33 out of 284 biopsies) following examination of step sections. The rate of granuloma detection was significantly improved by performing histological examination of step sections compared with initial examinations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The rate of granuloma detection per biopsy was 11.6%, even after histological examination of step sections. These results indicate that performing multiple intestinal biopsies and assessing for the presence of granuloma using multiple section examinations are required in the initial diagnosis of CD.

Autophagy in Crohn's Disease: Converging on Dysfunctional Innate Immunity

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by relapsing, transmural intestinal inflammation driven by innate and adaptive immune responses. Autophagy is a multi-step process that plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by degrading intracellular components, such as damaged organelles and invading bacteria. Dysregulation of autophagy in CD is revealed by the identification of several susceptibility genes, including ATG16L1, IRGM, NOD2, LRRK2, ULK1, ATG4, and TCF4, that are involved in autophagy. In this review, the role of altered autophagy in the mucosal innate immune response in the context of CD is discussed, with a specific focus on dendritic cells, macrophages, Paneth cells, and goblet cells. Selective autophagy, such as xenophagy, ERphagy, and mitophagy, that play crucial roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis in these innate immune cells, are discussed. As our understanding of autophagy in CD pathogenesis evolves, the development of autophagy-targeted therapeutics may benefit subsets of patients harboring impaired autophagy.

PF-431396 hydrate inhibition of kinase phosphorylation during adherent-invasive Escherichia coli infection inhibits intra-macrophage replication and inflammatory cytokine release

Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) have been implicated in the aetiology of Crohn's disease (CD). They are characterized by an ability to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells, and to replicate intracellularly in macrophages resulting in inflammation. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) has previously been identified as a risk locus for inflammatory bowel disease and a regulator of intestinal inflammation. It is overexpressed in patients with colorectal cancer, a major long-term complication of CD. Here we show that Pyk2 levels are significantly increased during AIEC infection of murine macrophages while the inhibitor PF-431396 hydrate, which blocks Pyk2 activation, significantly decreased intramacrophage AIEC numbers. Imaging flow cytometry indicated that Pyk2 inhibition blocked intramacrophage replication of AIEC with no change in the overall number of infected cells, but a significant reduction in bacterial burden per cell. This reduction in intracellular bacteria resulted in a 20-fold decrease in tumour necrosis factor α secretion by cells post-AIEC infection. These data demonstrate a key role for Pyk2 in modulating AIEC intracellular replication and associated inflammation and may provide a new avenue for future therapeutic intervention in CD.

The detection rate of granulomas differs between intestinal segments and lesions in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by non-caseating intestinal granulomas. However, the reported detection rate of granulomas on endoscopy is low. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the detection rate of granulomas in different intestinal segments and lesions in Chinese patients with CD to improve the detection rate of granulomas in clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

113 patients with CD were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: those with (n = 51) and without granulomas (n = 62) on endoscopic biopsies. Clinical information was collected from the medical records, including age; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels; platelet count; disease course; sex; smoking history; related operation history; Montreal classification; and lesion location, size, and shape.

RESULTS

The detection rates of granulomas in different lesion shapes were significantly different (P < 0.001), with those of longitudinal ulcers and circular ulcers being higher than those of erosion and irregular ulcers. We also found that the detection rates of granulomas in ascending colon and sigmoid colon were relatively higher than other segments of the intestine, however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.716). Additionally, age, sex, smoking history, Montreal classification, related surgical history, disease course, and serum biochemical indicators (ESR; platelet count; and CRP, albumin, and Hb levels) were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection rate of granulomas in patients with CD is related to the morphology of the intestinal lesions. Meanwhile, lesion location may be correlated with the detection rate of granulomas.

Lactotroph PitNET/adenoma associated to granulomatous hypophysitis in a patient with Crohn's disease: A case report

Granulomatous hypophysitis is a rare and poorly understood condition. Although certain cases are treated as primary pituitary autoimmune disorders, rare cases may be associated with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs) and systemic inflammatory diseases. Here, we report a case of a 47-year-old man that underwent endoscopic trans-sphenoidal excision of a pituitary mass diagnosed as PitNET. On histologic evaluation, the neoplasm showed an admixture of granulomas with extensive inflammatory infiltrate and lactotroph PitNET/adenoma. Careful anamnestic examination revealed a diagnosis of Crohn's disease 20 years prior. Although rarely done, both PitNET and Crohn's disease may be associated with granulomatous hypophysitis, and our patient had both conditions. During the 6-year follow-up, PitNETs and hypophysitis did not recur, while Crohn's disease was only partially controlled by medical therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first description of association of granulomatous hypophysitis, PitNET and Crohn's disease.

Escherichia coli bacteria associated with Crohn's disease persist within phagolysosomes

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by an imbalance of intestinal microbiota and a colonization of subepithelial tissues by pathogen and pathobiont bacteria. Adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) strains recovered from CD lesions survive and multiply within macrophages. Persistence is one of the mechanisms deployed by AIEC to tolerate macrophages' attack. The challenging intracellular environment induces a heterogeneity in AIEC LF82 phenotype, including the presence of nongrowing bacteria. This could provide a reservoir for antibiotic-tolerant bacteria responsible for relapsing infections. In this article, we review the conditions leading to AIEC persistence, the relevance of this state for bacterial survival and disease's etiology, and its implication for therapeutic strategies.

Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed in a Man with Sarcoidosis: Coincidence or Correspondence?

Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis are characterized by noncaseating granulomas, but rarely do they present in the same patient. Their coexistence presents a diagnostic challenge as they are often classified as clinically separate, despite their similarities. We present a case of a 59-year-old man previously diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the colon, with histology in keeping with newly diagnosed Crohn's colitis. The patient had a good clinical response to initiation of steroid therapy and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor.

Granulomas in Diagnostic Biopsies Associated With High Risk of Crohn's Complications-But May Be Preventable

BACKGROUND

Granulomatous intestinal inflammation may be associated with aggressive Crohn's disease (CD) behavior. However, this has not been confirmed, and it is unknown if associated disease complications are preventable.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort of patients younger than 21 years at CD diagnosis (November 1, 2005 to November 11, 2015). Clinical information was abstracted, including dates of starting medications and the timing of perianal fistula or stricture development, if any. Diagnostic pathology reports were reviewed, and a subset of biopsy slides were evaluated by a blinded pathologist. Patients were excluded if perianal fistula or stricture developed within 30 days after CD diagnosis. Medications were included in analyses only if started >90 days before development of perianal fistula or stricture.

RESULTS

In total, 198 patients were included. Half (54%) had granulomas at diagnosis. Granulomas were associated with a greater than 3-fold increased risk of perianal fistula (hazard ration [HR] = 3.24; 95% confidence interval CI], 1.40-7.48). Immunomodulator and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) therapy were associated with 90% (HR, = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.42) and 98% (HR, = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.10) reduced risk of perianal fistula, respectively. Patients with granulomatous inflammation preferentially responded to anti-TNF therapy with reduced risk of perianal fistula. The presence of granulomas was not associated with risk of stricture. Immunomodulator and anti-TNF therapy were associated with 96% (HR, = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.22) and 94% (HR, = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.20) reduced risk of stricture, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomas are associated with increased risk of perianal fistula but not stricture. Steroid sparing therapies seem to reduce the risk of both perianal fistula and stricture. For those with granulomas, anti-TNF-α therapy greatly reduced the risk of perianal fistula development, whereas immunomodulators did not.

The Possible Pathogenic Role of IgG4-Producing Plasmablasts in Stricturing Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a condition on the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease that affects up to 20 people per 100,000 in the US annually, and with incidence increasing. One of the most significant sources of morbidity in CD is the formation of strictures, with resultant intestinal blockage a common indication for hospitalization and surgical intervention in these patients. The pathophysiology of stricture formation is not fully understood. However, the fibroplasia that leads to fibrostenotic stricture formation may have shared pathophysiology with IgG4-related fibrosis.

SUMMARY

Initial intestinal inflammation recruits innate immune cells, such as neutrophils, that secrete IL-1β and IL-23, which induces a type 17 CD4+ T-helper T-cell (Th17)-mediated adaptive immune response. These CD4+ Th17 T cells also contribute to inflammation by secreting proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-21. IL-21 recruits and stimulates CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which secrete more IL-21. This causes ectopic germinal center formation, recruiting and stimulating naïve B cells. The IL-17 and IL-21 produced by Th17 cells and Tfh cells also induce IgG4 plasmablast differentiation. Finally, these IgG4-producing plasmablasts secrete platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which activates local PDGF-receptor expressing fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, resulting in uncontrolled fibroplasia.

Histologic Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Since neither the clinical manifestations nor the morphologic features of inflammatory bowel disease are pathognomonic alone, the differential diagnosis to consider is relatively broad, and it relies on the synthesis of clinical, endoscopic, and microscopic features. Long-held histologic diagnostic principles include recognizing structural and inflammatory features of chronicity, that is, architectural distortion, basal plasmacytosis, and expansion of the lamina propria lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. In addition, evaluation of the neutrophilic inflammation and related crypt and epithelial destruction is essential to gauge the activity of the disease. Nevertheless, these features can be difficult to confirm in special settings, including at the inception of the disease or in partially treated cases. This review will explore the classic morphologic features of ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, followed by a detailed discussion of atypical and diagnostically challenging presentations and a brief review of the clinical aspects necessary for the daily practice of pathologists.

Histopathological Features in Colonic Biopsies at Diagnosis Predict Long-term Disease Course in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease [CD] is characterised by a heterogeneous disease course. Patient stratification at diagnosis using clinical, serological, or genetic markers does not predict disease course sufficiently to facilitate clinical decision making. The current study aimed to investigate the additive predictive value of histopathological features to discriminate between a long-term mild and severe disease course.

METHODS

Diagnostic biopsies from treatment-naïve CD patients with mild or severe disease courses in the first 10 years after diagnosis were reviewed by two gastrointestinal pathologists after developing a standardised form comprising 15 histopathological features. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to identify predictive features and compute receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves. Models were internally validated using bootstrapping to obtain optimism-corrected performance estimates.

RESULTS

In total, 817 biopsies from 137 patients [64 mild, 73 severe cases] were included. Using clinical baseline characteristics, disease course could only moderately be predicted (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.738 [optimism 0.018], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.83, sensitivity 83.6%, specificity 53.1%). When adding histopathological features, in colonic biopsies a combination of [1] basal plasmacytosis, [2] severe lymphocyte infiltration in lamina propria, [3] Paneth cell metaplasia, and [4] absence of ulcers were identified and resulted in significantly better prediction of a severe course (AUROC: 0.883 [optimism 0.033], 95% CI 0.82-0.94, sensitivity 80.4%, specificity 84.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this first study investigating the additive predictive value of histopathological features in biopsies at CD diagnosis, we found that certain features of chronic inflammation in colonic biopsies contributed to prediction of a severe disease course, thereby presenting a novel approach to improving stratification and facilitating clinical decision making.

Subclinical sacroiliitis detected by abdominopelvic computed tomography in Korean patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Sacroiliitis is a frequent extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sacroiliitis using a validated screening tool based on abdominopelvic computed tomography (APCT) in Korean patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and examine potential associations between clinical characteristics and sacroiliitis.

METHODS

One hundred five patients with CD undergoing APCT for any indication at an IBD clinic were matched 1:1 for age and sex with 105 controls without underlying chronic illnesses. Using a validated APCT screening tool that defines sacroiliitis as either ankylosis or a total erosion score (TES) ≥ 3, all computed tomography scans were assessed by two independent, blinded radiologists. We compared the prevalence of sacroiliitis between CD patients and controls and clinical characteristics between CD patients with and without sacroiliitis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sacroiliitis was significantly higher in CD patients than in controls (13.3% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.030). All subjects with sacroiliitis had a TES ≥ 3, but no ankylosis. The assessment of sacroiliitis in APCT showed excellent interreader reliability (Cohen's kappa = 0.933 for presence of sacroiliitis). Sacroiliitis in CD patients was bilateral and asymptomatic. There were no significant associations between sacroiliitis and any demographic data or clinical characteristics in these patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of APCT-detected sacroiliitis in CD patients was higher than that in controls, but the condition was asymptomatic. The clinical significance of asymptomatic sacroiliitis in Korean CD patients remains unclear.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Crohn's Disease: An Atypical Complication

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects thousands of Americans, and it is commonly found in individuals aged between 20-30 years. Patients often present with abdominal pain and describe concerns of diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. In this report, we discuss the case of a 21-year-old man who presented with diarrhea and intermittent hematochezia. He was admitted for a suspected lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated pancolitis with a mildly distended gallbladder. Subsequent sigmoidoscopy revealed a diagnosis of CD, which was confirmed with a biopsy. Following steroid therapy, the patient reported symptomatic improvement, although his alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels continued to increase. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed biliary strictures, which were suggestive of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This case highlights the importance of not ruling out CD in patients with PSC and understanding the differential clinical outcomes in patients with PSC with ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to those with CD. These differences include variations in colorectal carcinoma risk and severity of symptoms.

Effect of Crohn's Disease on Villous Length and CYP3A4 Expression in the Pediatric Small Intestine

Changes in absorptive capacity and first‐pass metabolism in the small intestine affect oral drug bioavailability. Characterization of such changes as a consequence of inflammation is important for developing physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for inflammatory bowel disease. We sought to elucidate the impact of small intestinal Crohn’s disease (CD) on villous length and CYP3A4 expression in children. Freshly frozen duodenal and terminal ileum (TI) biopsies from 107 children (1–19 years) with and without CD were evaluated for active inflammation. Villous length and CYP3A4 mRNA/protein expression were compared among regions of active and inactive inflammation in CD and controls. A twofold reduction in villous length was observed in inflamed duodena and ilia of children with CD, but in the absence of regional inflammation, villi in CD were comparable in length to controls. Expression of CYP3A4 mRNA correlated significantly with villous length in the TI (P = 0.0003), with a trend observed in the duodenum that did not reach statistical significance. In the presence of active inflammation, a significant decrease in CYP3A protein expression was confirmed in the duodenum, where protein expression also correlated significantly with villous length across diagnoses (P < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that previous observations of decreased CYP3A4 expression and function in inflamed intestine may not be due solely to downregulation by inflammatory cytokines, but also to villous blunting and subsequent loss of surface area for protein expression. This information is relevant for PBPK model development and could aid with dose adjustment decisions for oral CYP3A4 substrates administered during CD flare (e.g., budesonide).

Clinicopathologic Features of Tissue Granulomas in Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Study in a Nontuberculosis Endemic Region

CONTEXT.—

There is a paucity of literature about tissue granulomas in transplant patients.

OBJECTIVE.—

To characterize the clinicopathologic features of granulomas in this population and develop a clinically judicious approach to their evaluation.

DESIGN.—

We performed chart reviews of solid organ and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients at Yale New Haven Hospital to identify patients with granulomas on biopsy obtained pathologic specimens. Pretransplant and posttransplant specimens were included. Data points included demographics, clinical presentation, epidemiologic risk factors, biopsy indication, location and timing, immunosuppression, histopathology, microbiology, and associated clinical diagnosis. Granuloma-related readmissions and mortality were recorded at 1, 3, and 12 months.

RESULTS.—

Biopsy proven granulomas were identified in 56 of 2139 (2.6%) patients. Of 56, 16 (29%) were infectious. Common infectious etiologies were bartonellosis (n = 3) and cytomegalovirus hepatitis (n = 3). Tuberculosis was not identified. Clinical symptoms prompted tissue biopsy in 27 of 56 (48.2%) cases while biopsies were obtained for evaluation of incidental findings or routine disease surveillance in 29 of 56 (51.8%). Presence of symptoms was significantly associated with infectious etiologies; 11 of 27 (40.7%) symptomatic patients compared with 5 of 29 (17.2%) asymptomatic patients had infectious causes. One death from granulomatous cryptogenic organizing pneumonia occurred. In pretransplant asymptomatic patients, no episodes of symptomatic disease occurred posttransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Granulomas were uncommon in a large transplant population; most were noninfectious but presence of symptoms was associated with infectious etiologies. Granulomas discovered pretransplant without clear infectious etiology likely do not require prolonged surveillance after transplantation. Symptomatology and epidemiologic risks factors should guide extent of microbiologic evaluation.

Diagnosis and Outcome of Oesophageal Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease [CD] can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. We aimed to characterize the clinical, endoscopic and histological features and treatment outcomes of CD patients with oesophageal involvement.

METHODS

We collected cases through a retrospective multicentre European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation CONFER [COllaborative Network For Exceptionally Rare case reports] project. Clinical data were recorded in a standardized case report form.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were reported (22 males, mean [±SD, range] age at oesophageal CD diagnosis: 25 [±13.3, 10-71] years and mean time of follow-up: 67 [±68.1, 3-240] months). Oesophageal involvement was established at CD diagnosis in 26 patients [65%] and during follow-up in 14. CD was exclusively located in the oesophagus in two patients. Thirteen patients [32.2%] were asymptomatic at oesophageal disease diagnosis. Oesophageal strictures were present in five patients and fistulizing oesophageal disease in one. Eight patients exhibited granulomas on biopsies. Proton-pump inhibitors [PPIs] were administered in 37 patients [92.5%]. Three patients underwent endoscopic dilatation for symptomatic strictures but none underwent oesophageal-related surgery. Diagnosis in pre-established CD resulted in treatment modifications in 9/14 patients. Clinical remission of oesophageal disease was seen in 33/40 patients [82.5%] after a mean time of 7 [±5.6, 1-18] months. Follow-up endoscopy was performed in 29/40 patients and 26/29 [89.7%] achieved mucosal healing.

CONCLUSION

In this case series the endoscopic and histological characteristics of isolated oesophageal CD were similar to those reported in other sites of involvement. Treatment was primarily conservative, with PPIs administered in the majority of patients and modifications in pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease-related therapy occurring in two-thirds of them. Clinical and endoscopic remission was achieved in more than 80% of the patients.

Associations between the Presence of Granulomata and Disease Phenotype and Outcomes in Children Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease

Background: The finding of a mucosal granuloma on histological analysis of endoscopically obtained biopsies in children with Crohn’s disease has been suggested to provide prognostic information. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the rate of granuloma detection and the impact of this upon specific disease characteristics and outcomes in children diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. After identification of a group of children previously diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, chart reviews were undertaken to characterise the children as granuloma positive or negative. Disease characteristics at diagnosis (such as disease location and nutritional status) and following diagnosis (such as requirement for immunosuppressive medications and surgical intervention) were noted for each patient. Results: Ninety-four children from two distinct geographical areas were identified. Forty-nine (52.1%) of the children had mucosal granulomata. Children with colonic disease were likely to have granulomata detected (RR = 3.04; p < 0.001). Granulomata were associated with lower weight z-scores at diagnosis (p < 0.05), but not other disease features (e.g., perianal disease or extra-intestinal manifestations). The presence of a granuloma at diagnosis was also associated with increased rates of the subsequent requirement for an immunosuppressive medication (RR = 1.26; p = 0.002). The presence of granulomata on histological assessment of mucosal biopsies at diagnosis of children with Crohn’s disease appears to be associated with specific disease features and outcomes. These findings should be clarified prospectively in a larger cohort of children with Crohn’s disease.

Clinical features and monocyte/macrophage subsets characterization in granulomatous vs non-granulomatous Crohn's disease

Aims: Granuloma, mainly composed of macrophages, is a histological feature of Crohn's disease (CD). However, its significance in CD has not been investigated adequately. Our study aims to address this issue by comparing the clinical manifestations and monocyte/macrophage subtypes between granulomatous and non-granulomatous CD.Materials and methods: Demographics, symptoms, endoscopic manifestations, histopathological features, and Montreal classification of patients with and without granulomas were compared. Flow cytometry was used to determine the phagocytosis and subsets of monocytes. ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, CCL22, and TGF-β1. Immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify the expression of CD68, CD163 and iNOS.Results: Of the222 CD patients enrolled, granulomas were detected in 90. Compared with non-granulomatous CD patients, those with granulomas had younger age, increased rates of diarrhea and perianal complications, along with higher endoscopic score. Intestinal stenosis and crypt abscess were more frequently observed in granulomatous CD patients. A defective phagocytosis of monocytes was observed in granulomatous CD patients. Meanwhile, higher percentages of intermediate and non-classic monocytes, with a lower percentage of classic monocyte were found in them. Besides, they had higher levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10, a lower level of TNF-α, an increased ratio of CD163⁺/CD68⁺cells, and a decreased ratio of iNOS⁺/CD68⁺ cells.Conclusions: Granulomatous CD patients exhibited different manifestations compared with their non-granulomatous counterparts. More aggressive therapy may be needed in granulomatous CD patients. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of monocyte/macrophage subsets and altered plasma cytokine may underlie the difference between those two groups.

Clinical significance of granulomas in Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Epithelioid granuloma is one hallmark used to histologically diagnose Crohn's disease (CD). However, the clinical significance of granulomas in CD is unclear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the clinical features with CD according to the presence of granulomas.

METHODS

A literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed on manuscripts published until October 2018. We included studies that met the following inclusion criteria: (i) patient: patients with CD; (ii) exposure: granulomas on the pathology; (iii) comparator: no granulomas; and (iv) outcomes: disease location, disease behavior, perianal disease, disease activity, use of biologics, and CD-associated hospitalization, surgery.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Granulomas in CD patients were associated with a higher proportion of ileocolonic disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-1.83), a higher proportion of upper gastrointestinal disease (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.28-3.95), a higher proportion of penetrating behavior (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-2.01), a higher prevalence of perianal disease (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.48-3.11), and a higher severity index at presentation (standardized mean difference: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09-0.32). In addition, the use of biologics was significantly higher in CD patients with granulomas compared with without granulomas (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.07-2.59). The presence of granulomas was significantly associated with CD-associated hospitalization (OR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.44-10.49), but not with CD-associated surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical features in CD patients were significantly different according to the presence of granulomas. It may indicate a more aggressive phenotype of CD.

Epithelioid Granulomas Associate With Increased Severity and Progression of Crohn's Disease, Based on 6-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Epithelioid granulomas are characteristics of a subset of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), but their significance, with regard to disease progression and severity, is unclear. We investigated the relationship between granulomas and CD severity over a 6-year time period in a large cohort of patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with CD seen at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of Pittsburgh; data were collected from 2009 through 2014 and patients were assigned to groups with and without histologic evidence of granuloma. Demographic, clinical (including disease activity, quality of life, medication use, and healthcare utilization), and laboratory data were used in association and survival analyses. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Of 1466 patients with CD, granulomas were identified in 187 (12.8%). In the subset of patients who underwent surgery, 21.0% had granulomas. The presence of granuloma was associated with increased serum levels of c-reactive protein (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% CI, 2.078-4.208; P < .0001), younger mean age at diagnosis (23.6 ± 11.3 years in patients with granulomas vs 27.9 ± 13.3 years in patients without; P = .0005), higher rates of stricturing or penetrating disease phenotype, higher rates of steroid and narcotic use, and higher healthcare utilization. Among patients that underwent surgery, the presence of granulomas was associated with need for repeat surgery during the 6-year observation period (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.54-4.02; P = .0002). Infliximab use was associated with detection of granuloma in a significantly lower proportion of surgical specimens compared to patients who had not been treated with a biologic agent (OR, 0.22; 95 CI, 0.05-0.97; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Epithelioid granulomas develop in less than 13% of patients with CD, and are associated with a more aggressive disease phenotype. Patients who have undergone surgery for CD and have granulomas are at increased risk for repeat surgery within 6 years.

Long-Term Outcomes After Primary Bowel Resection in Pediatric-Onset Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the long-term outcome of intestinal resection in pediatric-onset Crohn's disease (POCD) with no established predictors of adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and predictors for adverse outcome following intestinal resection in POCD.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with POCD who underwent at least 1 intestinal resection between 1990 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Main outcome measures included time to first flare, hospitalization, second intestinal resection, and response to nonprophylactic biologic therapy.

RESULTS

Overall, 121 patients were included. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 1-23.6). One hundred and seven (88%) patients experienced at least 1 postsurgical exacerbation, 52 (43%) were hospitalized, and 17 (14%) underwent second intestinal resection. Of 91 patients who underwent surgery after the year 2000, 37 (41%) were treated with antitumor necrosis factor ɑ (anti-TNFɑ) (nonprophylactic) following intestinal resection. Time to hospitalization and to second intestinal resection were shorter among patients with extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) (HR 2.7, P = 0.006 and HR = 3.1, P = 0.03, respectively). Time to initiation of biologic treatment was shorter in patients with granulomas (HR 2.1, P = 0.038), whereas being naïve to anti-TNFɑ treatment before surgery was a protective factor for biologic treatment following surgery (HR 0.3, P = 0.005). Undergoing intestinal resection beyond the year 2000 was associated with shorter time to first flare (HR 1.9, P = 0.019) and hospitalization (HR 2.6, P = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Long-term risk for flares, hospitalization, or biologic treatment is significant in POCD following bowel resection. EIMs increase the risk for hospitalization and second intestinal resection.

Prognostic significance of granulomas in children with Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES

Granulomas have long been considered the histological hallmark of Crohn's disease (CD). Currently, there is considerable dispute with regards to their prognostic implications. We aimed to determine the effect of granulomas on phenotypic features and disease's long-term outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric CD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of pediatric CD patients diagnosed at the Schneider Children's Medical Center were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of granulomas at diagnosis. Baseline characteristics included anthropometric, clinical, laboratory, radiological and endoscopic data. Outcome measures included flares, hospitalizations, biological therapy and surgery.

RESULTS

Of 289 CD patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2015, 99 patients (34%) had granulomas. Median age of the entire cohort at diagnosis was 14.2 years (females, 42.6%), with a median follow-up of 8.5 years. Patients with granulomas had a significantly higher percentage (47.5% vs. 23.7%, p = .001) of upper gastrointestinal involvement and ileo-colonic disease (64.9% vs. 49.5%, p = .01). Extraintestinal manifestations were twice as common in patients without granulomas (16.3% vs. 8.1%, p = .05). Patients with granulomas were more likely to be hospitalized (HR =1.43, 95% CI: 1.0-2.0) and to receive biologic therapy (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.1-2.11). Additionally, both of these disease outcomes occurred significantly earlier (p = .013 and p = .027, respectively). In contrast, patients with granulomas did not exhibit increased risk of flares or bowel resection.

CONCLUSION

Patients with granulomas exhibited a distinct phenotype at diagnosis and demonstrated a more severe disease course.

Granulomas in the gastrointestinal tract: deciphering the Pandora's box

Granulomas are organised collection of activated histiocytes induced by a persistent antigen stimulus. A wide variety of antigens encountered by the gastrointestinal tract are of this nature and hence the resulting granulomatous inflammation represents a tissue reaction pattern. The potential causes can be broadly classified as infections or non-infectious immune reactions. There is also a group where a cause is never identified. Granulomas may be of varying morphological appearance, most commonly epithelioid, foreign body type, suppurative and necrotizing. This may provide a clue as to the aetiology; however, in most cases, the cause requires further inquiry. Pathologists may need to cut deeper levels to look for foreign material and apply special stains to look for microorganisms. Pathologists also need to be certain that the process is a true granuloma and not a mimic. The site of occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract and the clinical setting is often paramount in establishing the aetiology. For instance, infections are more likely the cause in developing countries or when there is immunosuppression. Similarly, granulomas in the stomach are usually due to Crohn's disease; however, it is only rarely the cause of granulomas isolated to the appendix.

Analysis of risk factors - especially different types of plexitis - for postoperative relapse in Crohn’s disease

AIM

To evaluate the presence of submucosal and myenteric plexitis and its role in predicting postoperative recurrence.

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent Crohn’s disease (CD)-related resection at the University of Szeged, Hungary between 2004 and 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, smoking habits, previous resection, treatment before and after surgery, resection margins, neural fiber hyperplasia, submucosal and myenteric plexitis were evaluated as possible predictors of postoperative recurrence. Histological samples were analyzed blinded to the postoperative outcome and the clinical history of the patient. Plexitis was evaluated based on the appearance of the most severely inflamed ganglion or nerve bundle. Patients underwent regular follow-up with colonoscopy after surgery. Postoperative recurrence was defined on the basis of endoscopic and clinical findings, and/or the need for additional surgical resection.

RESULTS

One hundred and four patients were enrolled in the study. Ileocecal, colonic, and small bowel resection were performed in 73.1%, 22.1% and 4.8% of the cases, respectively. Mean disease duration at the time of surgery was 6.25 years. Twenty-six patients underwent previous CD-related surgery. Forty-three point two percent of the patients were on 5-aminosalicylate, 20% on corticosteroid, 68.3% on immunomodulant, and 4% on anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha postoperative treatment. Postoperative recurrence occurred in 61.5% of the patients; of them 39.1% had surgical recurrence. 92.2% of the recurrences developed within the first five years after the index surgery. Mean disease duration for endoscopic relapse was 2.19 years. The severity of submucosal plexitis was a predictor of the need for second surgery (OR = 1.267, 95%CI: 1.000-1.606, P = 0.050). Female gender (OR = 2.21, 95%CI: 0.98-5.00, P = 0.056), stricturing disease behavior (OR = 3.584, 95%CI: 1.344-9.559, P = 0.011), and isolated ileal localization (OR = 2.671, 95%CI: 1.033-6.910, P = 0.043) were also predictors of postoperative recurrence. No association was revealed between postoperative recurrence and smoking status, postoperative prophylactic treatment and the presence of myenteric plexitis and relapse.

CONCLUSION

The presence of severe submucosal plexitis with lymphocytes in the proximal resection margin is more likely to result in postoperative relapse in CD.

Macrophages Versus Escherichia coli: A Decisive Fight in Crohn's Disease

The pathophysiology of Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, remains imperfectly elucidated. Consequently, the therapeutic armamentarium remains limited and has not changed the natural history of CD hitherto. Accordingly, physicians need to identify new therapeutic targets to be able to alter the intestinal damage. The most recent hypothesis considered CD as resulting from an abnormal interaction between microbiota and host immune system influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Several experimental and genetic evidence point out intestinal macrophages in CD etiology. An increase of macrophages number and the presence of granulomas are especially observed in the intestinal mucosa of patients with CD. These macrophages could be defective and particularly in responses to infectious agents like CD-associated Escherichia coli. This review focuses on, what is currently known regarding the role of macrophages, macrophages/E. coli interaction, and the impact of CD therapies on macrophages in CD. We also speculate that macrophages modulation could lead to important translational implications in CD with the end goal of promoting gut health.

Presence of Granulomas in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Is Associated with Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The association between the presence of granulomas in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and postoperative recurrent Crohn's disease (CD) is unknown. Our aim was to assess the predictive value of the presence of granulomas in MLN as well as in bowel wall for postoperative recurrence of CD.

METHODS

Patients with CD who underwent the index ileocolonic resection between 2004 and 2012 were included. Surgical pathology reports were reviewed for the presence and location of granulomas. The status of MLN granulomas was confirmed by re-review of surgical pathology specimen from randomly sampled patients by an expert pathologist. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the risk factors associated with postoperative recurrent CD.

RESULTS

A total of 194 patients were included. Granulomas were detected in the MLN in 23 patients (11.9%), and in the intestinal wall in 57 (29.4%). On Kaplan-Meier curve, the presence of granulomas in MLN was found to be a risk factor for postoperative endoscopic recurrence (P = 0.015) as well as surgical recurrence (P = 0.035). In contrast, granulomas in the bowel wall, which was not found to be associated with neither endoscopic recurrence (P = 0.94) or surgical recurrence (P = 0.56). On Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the presence of MLN granulomas was independently associated with an increased risk for both postoperative endoscopic recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.45; P = 0.031) and surgical recurrence (HR = 3.43; 95% CI, 1.18-9.99; P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of granulomas in MLN but not in intestine per se was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence in CD patients undergoing ileocolonic resection.

Clinical Implications of Noncaseating Granulomas on Histology in Patients with Ileal Pouches

BACKGROUND

Granulomas are occasionally detected on biopsy specimen of the ileal pouch and their clinical implications are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical implications of noncaseating granuloma on histology in patients with ileal pouches.

METHODS

All eligible patients with confirmed noncaseating granulomas on histology of the biopsy specimens of the pouch body, afferent limb, or cuff in our prospectively maintained Pouch Registry between 2002 and 2014 were evaluated. Demographic and clinical factors were analyzed. The disease course of those patients was evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 1564 patients in the Registry, 42 met the criteria and were included. The median duration from the pouch construction to the last visit was 9 years (range, 2-28 yr). Twenty-eight patients (66.7%) developed clinical Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, whereas 14 (33.3%) were classified as having histologic CD of the pouch. Six patients (21.4%) in the clinical CD of the pouch group and 4 (28.6%) in the histologic CD of the pouch group had granulomas on more than 1 endoscopy. Postoperative biological therapy was administered more in the clinical CD group than in the histologic CD group (39.3% versus 0%, P = 0.007). Pouch-related fistulae and presacral sinus were verified more in clinical CD group than the histologic CD group. However, Kaplan-Meier plot showed comparable pouch survival between clinical CD and histologic CD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our current study, one-third of the patients with noncaseating pouch granulomas did not develop clinical CD of the pouch. With proper medical therapy, long-term pouch outcomes appeared to be similar in those patients with clinical CD or histologic CD of the pouch.

Significance of the epithelioid granuloma in biopsies of Crohn's colitis

BACKGROUND

The relevance of granulomas in biopsy specimens from patients with Crohn's disease is largely unknown. Most previous studies have been performed on small samples and have produced conflicting results. This study was designed to compare the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of a large cohort of documented patients with Crohn's disease with and without epithelioid granulomas.

METHODS

Data of all patients with Crohn's disease were extracted from a computerized database of 1.3 million subjects who underwent colonoscopy and had their biopsy specimens diagnosed by a single group of gastrointestinal pathologists. The influence of age, gender, patient symptoms, and histopathologic finding on the presence of granuloma was analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 10,456 patients with Crohn's disease: 952 (9%) patients harbored granulomas (cases) and 9504 (91%) patients (controls) had none. Cases were significantly younger than controls: 42.4 ± 17.9 versus 48.0 ± 16.4 years (P < 0.0001). Cases presented with more symptoms than controls (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval): diarrhea (2.29, 2.28-2.31), anemia (2.06, 2.02-2.10), vomiting (2.13, 2.07-2.19), abdominal pain (1.75, 1.72-1.78), hematochezia (1.97, 1.94-2.00), and weight loss (3.94, 3.93-3.94). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age, presence of chronic active colitis, and symptoms of weight loss remained independent statistically significant predictors for the presence of granulomas.

CONCLUSIONS

In colonic biopsies from patients with Crohn's disease, granulomas constitute a rare finding. Presence of granulomas is associated with younger patient age, more severe histopathologic expression of the underlying disease, and more clinical symptoms.

Pediatric Crohn's disease from onset to adulthood: granulomas are associated with an early need for immunomodulation

OBJECTIVE

Childhood onset Crohn's disease (CD) is considered more aggressive than adult onset disease. Epithelioid cell granulomas in intestinal biopsies are one, non-obligate, criterion of CD. We investigated granulomas as markers of CD severity in children followed to adulthood.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-five individuals with childhood onset CD were studied from diagnosis until attainment of final height, with data on disease location, medical and surgical management and with detailed growth data analyses. A blinded review of diagnostic biopsies was also performed.

RESULTS

We found granulomas in 22/45 (49%) children at diagnosis, altogether in 28/45 (62%) patients during the disease course (median overall follow-up - 12.3 years, range 9.3-18). Granulomas were found in 9/11 (82%) with upper gastrointestinal involvement (cumulatively 17/20, 85%) (p = 0.017 and p = 0.006, respectively). The time from diagnosis to initiating immune modulating treatment (median 4.5 months, range 0-75) was shorter in the granuloma-positive group (16/22) compared to the granuloma-negative group (18/23) (median 33 months, range 2-105; p = 0.01). The median standard deviation score height at diagnosis and final adult height (both adjusted for target height) did not correlate to findings of granulomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Epithelioid cell granulomas were associated with a shorter time to initiating immune modulating drugs, as a possible sign of more severe disease, but growth was not affected.

Crohn's disease: a review of treatment options and current research

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly 1.4 million Americans. The etiology of Crohn's disease is not completely understood, however, research has suggested a genetic link. There is currently no known cure for Crohn's disease and, as a result, most government-funded research is being conducted to increase the quality of life of afflicted patients (i.e. reducing chronic inflammation and alleviating growth impairment in pediatric patients). A number of treatment options are available including an alpha-4 integrin inhibitor and several TNF-alpha inhibitors. Furthermore, research is being conducted on several alternative treatment options to help understand exactly which cellular mechanisms (i.e. inducing apoptosis in leukocytes) are required for clinical efficacy. This review seeks to chronicle the current available treatment options for patients affected by Crohn's disease to aid in understanding potential cellular mechanistic requirements for an efficacious drug, and shed light on potential options for future treatment.

Frequency and characteristics of granulomas in 368 pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease

Introduction: Epitheloid granulomas are one of the best histological criteria for distinguishing Crohn’s disease from other inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the role of granuloma in the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of Crohn’s disease is unclear. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of granulomas and their association with clinical characteristics using the database of the Hungarian Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry. Method: Three hundred and sixty-eight children with Crohn’s disease were registered between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2010. Results: The frequency of granulomas was 31.4% (111/353) at diagnosis. Isolated granuloma in the upper gastrointestinal tract was detected in 2.5% of patients, while those in the terminal ileum was found in 5% of patients. There was no difference in location, behavior and disease activity indexes between patients with and without granulomas. Need for immunomodulators and biological therapy was similar in the two groups in the first year of diagnosis. Conclusions: The frequency of granulomas in this cohort was comparable to the frequency reported in other studies. Interestingly, granulomas in the terminal ileum or upper gastrointestinal tract contributed to the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in one of 13 children. These data indicate that multiple biopsies from multiple sites are essential for the diagnosis of pediatric Crohn’s disease. Orv. Hetil., 154 (43), 1702–1708.

Microbiota separation and C-reactive protein elevation in treatment-naïve pediatric granulomatous Crohn disease

OBJECTIVES

In patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), the presence of noncaseating mucosal granuloma is sufficient for diagnosing Crohn disease (CD) and may represent a specific immune response or microbial-host interaction. The cause of granulomas in CD is unknown and their association with the intestinal microbiota has not been addressed with high-throughput methodologies.

METHODS

The mucosal microbiota from 3 different pediatric centers was studied with 454 pyrosequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the fungal small subunit (SSU) ribosomal region in transverse colonic biopsy specimens from 26 controls and 15 treatment-naïve pediatric CD cases. Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) was tested with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The correlation of granulomatous inflammation with C-reactive protein was expanded to 86 treatment-naïve CD cases.

RESULTS

The CD microbiota separated from controls by distance-based redundancy analysis (P = 0.035). Mucosal granulomata found in any portion of the intestinal tract associated with an augmented colonic bacterial microbiota divergence (P = 0.013). The granuloma-based microbiota separation persisted even when research center bias was eliminated (P = 0.04). Decreased Roseburia and Ruminococcus in granulomatous CD were important in this separation; however, principal coordinates analysis did not reveal partitioning of the groups. CRP levels >1 mg/dL predicted the presence of mucosal granulomata (odds ratio 28 [6-134.32]; 73% sensitivity, 91% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomatous CD associates with microbiota separation and C-reactive protein elevation in treatment-naïve children; however, overall dysbiosis in pediatric CD appears rather limited. Geographical/center bias should be accounted for in future multicenter microbiota studies.

Granulomas in Crohn's disease: does progression through the bowel layers affect presentation or predict recurrence?

AIM

The aim of the study was to correlate the presence and pattern of distribution of granulomas in resected specimens to clinical characteristics and outcome in patients undergoing surgery for Crohn's disease.

METHOD

Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgical resection between 2001 and 2007 were identified. Pathology slides were reviewed for the presence, number and location of granulomas in four representative slides from each specimen.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and seven patients were identified. At a mean follow up of 14 months, 39 patients had a recurrence, 22 (57%) of whom underwent reoperation. Ninety-four (45%) patients had granulomas present in the surgical specimen. Patients with granulomas were younger (P<0.001), had a lower preoperative body mass index (P=0.037), were more likely to be female (P=0.017) and were more likely to have extra-intestinal manifestations (P=0.026) or perianal disease (P=0.012). Sites of disease and procedures performed were similar in both groups. Disease recurrence and reoperative rates were similar in both groups, as were length of stay and morbidity rates. The average number of granulomas present in each sampled pathology slide was 7.2, and there was no correlation between number of granulomas and disease severity. No link was found between the depth of involvement of the granulomas and fistulizing or stricturing disease.

CONCLUSION

Granulomas were associated with increased extra-intestinal manifestations and perianal disease, a lower body mass index and younger or female patients. There was no correlation between the presence of granulomas and disease progression or recurrence rates during the short follow-up period of this study.

New insights into gastrointestinal and hepatic granulomatous disorders

Numerous diseases that involve the gastrointestinal tract reveal the presence of granulomas on histological analysis. Granulomatous diseases can be either primary or secondary to environmental factors. Granulomas are dynamic structures composed of organized collections of activated macrophages, including epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells, surrounded by lymphocytes. The formation of granulomas is usually in response to antigenic stimulation and is orchestrated through cytokines, immune cells and host genetics. In this Review, the pathogenesis and etiologies of granulomas of the gastrointestinal tract and liver are discussed, as are the available diagnostic tools to help differentiate their various underlying etiologies. In addition, the role of granulomas in harboring latent tuberculosis is reviewed. The effects of tumor necrosis factor antagonists and interferon-α on the development of granulomas are also discussed.

Lymphatics, tertiary lymphoid organs and the granulomas of Crohn's disease: an immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Case studies in the past repeatedly suggested that the fundamental alteration in Crohn's disease occurs in the regional lymphatics of the intestine.

AIM

To evaluate the lymphatic inflammation in Crohn's disease, and to characterise lymphoid aggregates and granulomas in and surrounding lymphatics and blood vasculature.

METHODS

Forty-eight tissue blocks from 24 Crohn's disease patients and 23 tissue blocks from 23 control patients were selected. Tissue sections were immunostained with a lymphatic endothelial cell marker (D2-40), a marker for blood vasculature (FVIII), and markers for T cells (CD3), B cells (CD20) and macrophages (CD68).

RESULTS

Lymphangiectasia and lymphocytic perilymphangitis were demonstrated in all 24 patients, lymphocyte-obstructed lymphatics in seven patients, granuloma-obstructed lymphatics in nine patients and inflammatory lymphoid follicles in all 24 patients. Free-standing granulomas occurred in 19 patients, and in three further patients granulomas were in or attached to blood vascular units.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, employing immunohistochemistry, revealed, better than standard microscopy, the association of inflammation, granulomas and tertiary lymphoid follicles or organs with the lymphatic vasculature in Crohn's disease. Disease in some patients was characterised by perilymphangitis and lymphoid follicular inflammation and in others by granulomas, some of which totally obstructed lymphatics. These findings have aetiological, therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis with Crohn Disease in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) DNA in intestinal biopsies from pediatric patients with granulomatous Crohn disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), and matched control subjects without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded colonic and ileal biopsies from patients with CD (n = 22) or UC (n = 20), and from controls without IBD (n = 21). IS900 nested polymerase chain reaction was performed in triplicate to determine the presence of MAP-specific DNA.

RESULTS

In mucosal biopsies from terminal ileum, IS900 amplicons were detected in 1 of 19 (5.2%) control subjects, 1 of 20 (5%) patients with UC, and 7 of 20 (35%) patients with CD (P < 0.05 vs controls, odds ratio 9.6). In colonic biopsies, IS900 amplicons were detected in 0 of 19 control subjects, 1 of 19 (5.2%) patients with UC, and 5 of 19 (26.3%) patients with CD (P < 0.05 vs controls, odds ratio 14.8). In patients with CD, there was no correlation between disease activity and the presence of IS900.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique enabled sensitive and specific detection of MAP DNA in archival endoscopic biopsy specimens. Although MAP-specific DNA can be detected in about 5% of intestinal biopsies from children with UC or controls without IBD, its presence was significantly associated with pediatric granulomatous CD, being particularly prevalent in ileal tissue. This easily defined clinical subset of patients may be useful for additional studies to determine the role of MAP in CD.

Granulomas in Crohn's disease: are newly discovered genetic variants involved?

BACKGROUND

Non-caseating granulomas exist in a substantial portion of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified as a having strong association with CD, including SNPs within the autophagy related 4 homolog A (ATG4A) gene and the neutrophil cytosolic factor 4 (NCF4) gene. We hypothesized a possible association between the presence of granulomas in CD patients and variants in the ATG4A and NCF4 genes.

AIMS

To investigate whether variants in the NCF4 and ATG4A genes are associated with granuloma formation in a cohort of Israeli patients with CD, exploring demographic and clinical characteristics that differ between granuloma positive and granuloma negative patients.

METHODS

307 Israeli patients with CD were studied. Patients with CD who underwent biopsy or resection of the intestine were classified according to presence or absence of granulomas. Using PCR-RFLP we determined the allele frequency in SNP rs4821544 (NCF4 gene) and SNP rs807185 (ATG4A gene) for all patients.

RESULTS

Granulomas were found in 85 out of 307 CD patients (27%). There were no significant differences between patients with or without granulomas in allele frequency in SNPs rs4821544 and rs807185. CD Patients with granuloma were younger at diagnosis than patients without granuloma (mean age 19 vs. 27, respectively, P<0.0001) and were more likely to undergo surgery (55.3% vs. 34.8%, respectively, P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between SNPs rs4821544 and rs807185 and the presence of granulomas in CD patients. Granuloma positive patients were more likely to be younger and to undergo surgery.

Meta-analysis of the role of granulomas in the recurrence of Crohn disease

PURPOSE

This study used meta-analytical techniques to compare the recurrence of granulomatous vs nongranulomatous Crohn disease.

METHODS

Comparative studies published between 1954 and 2007 of granulomatous vs nongranulomatous Crohn disease were included. Using a random effects model, end points evaluated were the number of recurrences and reoperations, and the time to recurrence and reoperation, of granulomatous vs nongranulomatous Crohn disease. Heterogeneity was assessed and sensitivity analysis was performed to account for bias in patient selection.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (14 nonrandomized retrospective, 7 nonrandomized prospective) reported on 2236 patients with Crohn disease, of whom 1050 (47.0%) had granulomas (granulomatous group) and 1186 (53.0%) had no granulomas (nongranulomatous group). The number of recurrences and reoperations was found to be significantly higher in the granulomatous group compared to the nongranulomatous group (odds ratio 1.37, P = .04; odds ratio 2.38, P < .001; respectively), with significant heterogeneity between studies (P = .06; P < .001; respectively). The time to recurrence and reoperation was significantly shorter in the granulomatous group compared with the nongranulomatous group (hazard ratio 1.63, P = .001; hazard ratio 1.62, P = .002; respectively), with no significant heterogeneity between studies. The number of recurrences and reoperations remained significantly higher in the granulomatous group compared to the nongranulomatous group during sensitivity analysis of higher-quality studies, more recent studies, and studies with a larger group of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomatous Crohn disease appears to be associated with a higher number of recurrences and reoperations and a shorter time to recurrence and reoperation compared to nongranulomatous Crohn disease. Because of significant heterogeneity between studies, further studies should be undertaken to confirm these findings.

Predictive value and clinical significance of myenteric plexitis in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of Crohn's disease (CD) after ileal or colonic resection is common. Myenteric plexitis in the proximal resection margin of an ileocolonic CD resection specimen may indicate ongoing pathology that relates to disease recurrence. We assessed risk factors for myenteric plexitis, the effect of plexitis on clinical recurrence, and whether preoperative medical therapies affect the intensity of plexitis.

METHODS

Ileocolonic resection specimens from 99 patients with CD were histologically scored for the presence and severity of plexitis. Myenteric plexitis was correlated with immunosuppressive therapy before index surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for plexitis.

RESULTS

Myenteric plexitis was present in 43% and 85% of cases in the proximal resection margin and the affected resected segments of CD, respectively. Patients with a previous resection were more likely to have plexitis than those with no previous resection (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-10.15, P = 0.02), and those with a greater duration of disease were less likely to have plexitis in the proximal resection margin (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96, P = 0.03). Preoperative immunosuppressive therapy was not associated with a lesser incidence of plexitis. Twelve of 40 (30%) patients with plexitis and 9 of 54 (16%) patients without plexitis in the proximal resection margin subsequently developed clinical recurrence (median 10 months; P = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous resections and shorter disease duration are associated with plexitis in proximal resection margin of CD. The prognostic value of plexitis in postoperative disease recurrence and risk stratification remain to be prospectively established.

Frequency and clinical correlations of granulomas in children with Crohn disease

BACKGROUND

Granulomas are pathognomonic findings of Crohn disease (CD); however, their occurrence and clinical significance are not well characterized. Our aim was to determine the frequency and distribution of granulomas in untreated and treated patients with CD and their relation to age and disease severity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records from patients with CD undergoing colonoscopy with terminal ileum biopsy over 7 years were reviewed. Clinical information and laboratory, pathology, and radiology results were recorded. The frequency and distribution of granulomas were determined.

RESULTS

From 376 patients with CD, 75% underwent concurrent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Of those, 65% (184/282) were untreated. Granulomas were identified in 48% (136/282) of all patients and in 61% (112/184) of untreated patients and 24.5% (24/98) of treated patients (P < 0.0005). The upper tract and terminal ileum biopsies were essential to the identification of 42% of patients with granulomas. The presence of granulomas at diagnosis was related to anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, hypoalbuminemia, perianal disease, and gastritis at presentation (P = 0.03, P = 0.008, P = 0.03, and P = 0.001), respectively, and to perianal disease and infliximab treatment at the latest visit (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01), respectively. Granulomas were not related to age, sex, ethnicity, weight and height z scores, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CARD15/NOD2 mutations, abdominal surgery, or stricturing or fistulizing disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomas were identified in 61% of fully investigated pediatric patients with CD at diagnosis, including a substantial proportion of patients in whom colonoscopy to the cecum would have been insufficient for diagnosis. Granulomas were more frequent in untreated patients (P < 0.0005), and their prevalence was not affected by age. The presence of granulomas at diagnosis was associated with perianal disease, gastritis, hypoalbuminemia, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, and infliximab treatment.

Frequency of epithelioid granulomas in colonoscopic biopsy specimens from paediatric and adult patients with Crohn's colitis

AIMS

To test the assumption that epithelioid granulomas found in colonoscopic biopsy specimens in patients with Crohn's colitis are markers of a different clinical behaviour.

METHODS

Sections from colonoscopic biopsy specimens from 352 consecutive patients (119 children and 233 adults) were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 1117 colonoscopies were performed: 293 in children (mean 2.46 per patient) and 824 in adults (mean 3.53 per patient) (p<0.05). Granulomas at initial colonoscopy were recorded in 67.2% (43/64) of children and 65.9% (27/41) of adults (p>0.6), and at subsequent colonoscopies in 53.8% (64/119) of children and 17.6% (41/233) of adults (p<0.05). Surgical intervention was required in 6.3% (4/64) of the children having previous granuloma, but also in 14.5% (8/55) of those without previous granuloma, the rate for operated adults being 26.8% (11/41) and 24.5% (47/192), respectively (p>0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomas in entry and/or in subsequent colonoscopic biopsy specimens in patients with Crohn's colitis did not predict the need for subsequent surgical intervention. The fact that the frequency of granulomas was significantly higher in children than in adults with Crohn's colitis (despite a higher mean number of colonoscopic biopsies in adults), and that granulomas were present in colonoscopic biopsy specimens but not in the subsequent surgical specimens from 50% of the paediatric and 36% of the adult patients strengthen the conviction that granulomas in Crohn's colitis might evolve or regress at different time intervals during the course of the disease. This behaviour would reflect a particular immunological reaction, an epiphenomenon from immature tissues-as in children-when challenged by the so far elusive aetiological agent responsible for Crohn's disease.

Controversies in the treatment of common anal problems

Treating common benign anal diseases has evolved towards more outpatient procedures with better outcome. However, minimizing post-procedure morbidities such as pain and the avoidance incontinence remain the most significant concerns. We introduce some controversies and highlight the developments in current surgical practice for the treatment of common anal problems.

Association of intestinal granulomas with smoking, phenotype, and serology in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a heterogenous disease characterized by variable manifestations and outcomes, and increasing in incidence in China. Phenotypic classification has been proposed to assist in subtyping of disease. Non-caseating intestinal granulomas are a hallmark of CD, but whether intestinal granulomas help predict Chinese CD phenotypes or determine severity, is not known.

AIMS

To determine the association between intestinal granulomas with CD phenotype, severity, risk factors, and serological markers.

METHODS

This was a single-centre study of consecutive definite Chinese CD cases. Granulomas were diagnosed by an experienced GI pathologist. Correlation with the Vienna Classification and other parameters was performed.

RESULTS

Eighty Chinese CD patients were recruited, 40 (50%) of whom had intestinal granulomas. Intestinal granulomas were independently associated with the stricturing behavior (OR: 4.71; 95% CI: 1.41-15.72), colonic location of disease (OR: 26.96; 95% CI: 2.68-271.14), but not with age of CD diagnosis. Current or previous smoking protected against the development of granulomas (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04-0.59). Granulomas were not associated with peri-anal involvement, extra-intestinal manifestations, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody or anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody serology, or severity of CD gauged by the requirement of major intestinal surgery or immunomodulating therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal granulomas in the setting of CD may be helpful in determining phenotypic subtypes of CD, but is unhelpful in predicting disease severity. Smoking impairs the formation of granulomas in CD.