Hi,
I recently had a colonoscopy and am still waiting for the results of biopsies, but I was wondering if it's common to see patches of congested mucosa in the colon?
I consider myself to be in remission, though I am having minor symptoms and some pain in specific places (ie - not what I would consider cramps).
I have not been diagnosed with anything yet, just 20+ years of serious intestinal problems with lots of red-flag symptoms.
Scott
Patches of congested mucosa?
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Hi Scott,
I'm not sure that I'm interpreting your post correctly. By congested, do you mean patches that are covered with copious amounts of mucus, patches that are populated with a high number of granulomas (visible only under a microscope), or something else? If it's the first (mucus), that's typical of the inflammation associated with active MC. IOW, your MC is probably active (you are probably having an MC reaction). Of course there are other possible causes of such inflammation (such as toxins, pathogens, or parasites), but for a previously-diagnosed MC patient, it's almost surely inflammation associated with MC. If it's the second (granulomas), you may have developed Crohn's disease or UC.
I hope this is helpful, but I wouldn't jump to conclusions — your biopsy report from the pathologist will contain the answer.
Tex
I'm not sure that I'm interpreting your post correctly. By congested, do you mean patches that are covered with copious amounts of mucus, patches that are populated with a high number of granulomas (visible only under a microscope), or something else? If it's the first (mucus), that's typical of the inflammation associated with active MC. IOW, your MC is probably active (you are probably having an MC reaction). Of course there are other possible causes of such inflammation (such as toxins, pathogens, or parasites), but for a previously-diagnosed MC patient, it's almost surely inflammation associated with MC. If it's the second (granulomas), you may have developed Crohn's disease or UC.
I hope this is helpful, but I wouldn't jump to conclusions — your biopsy report from the pathologist will contain the answer.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
That was probably doctor-speak for some sort of unique configuration of inflammatory markers, but I've never heard that particular comment when referring to a colonoscopy
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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dottydog1959
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Hi Scott
"Congested" mucosa in the context of a colonoscopy refers to the small blood vessels in the colonic epithelium (lining). Normally they are not visible to the naked eye, they are too small. The normal colonic epithelium is pale, pink and smooth, with no visible blood vessels. When the blood vessels become distended with blood (due to inflammation) they become easily visible as small red tortuous vessels slightly proud of the mucosal surface, not unlike tiny red worms.This is congestion.
I was fully awake during my colonoscopy and saw multiple areas of congestion myself. My Dr commented on them and biopsied them, as well as other non-congested areas. All biopsies came back as CC.
Hope this helps.
"Congested" mucosa in the context of a colonoscopy refers to the small blood vessels in the colonic epithelium (lining). Normally they are not visible to the naked eye, they are too small. The normal colonic epithelium is pale, pink and smooth, with no visible blood vessels. When the blood vessels become distended with blood (due to inflammation) they become easily visible as small red tortuous vessels slightly proud of the mucosal surface, not unlike tiny red worms.This is congestion.
I was fully awake during my colonoscopy and saw multiple areas of congestion myself. My Dr commented on them and biopsied them, as well as other non-congested areas. All biopsies came back as CC.
Hope this helps.
Normally (in the US at least), that's referred to in the pathology report as "erythematous" mucosal tissue. That's the way it was described in my pathology report. And yes, I was also awake and alert during my colonoscopy, and the scattered patches of inflammation against a pale pink (normal) mucosa were clearly visible. But unfortunately, back in 2000, my GI doc didn't have the slightest idea what they meant, and he didn't even bother to take biopsies.
At any rate, erythema in scattered patches is a typical marker of MC.
Tex
At any rate, erythema in scattered patches is a typical marker of MC.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.