Collagenous sprue: don´t forget connective tissue in chronic diarrhea evaluation.

Abstract

Collagenous sprue is a rare disease of the small bowel characterized by mucosal atrophy and excessive subepithelial collagen deposition. The etiology remains unclear and the diagnosis is based upon patient´s clinical picture and anatomopathological findings. Clinically, collagenous sprue is characterized by persistent diarrhoea, severe malabsorption, multiple nutrient deficiencies and progressive weight loss. Differential diagnosis includes celiac disease, which is mandatory to rule out because of their frequent association. Glutenfree diet is the first therapeutic step, but it usually is not effective. However, recent studies show high success rates with immunomodulators, mainly corticosteroids. We report the case of a patient presenting with chronic diarrhea and severe malabsorption who was diagnosed with collagenous sprue, with no response to gluten free diet, but with excellent response to budesonida.

• Authors: Victoria Busto-Bea, Laura Crespo-Pérez, Noemí García-Miralles, Luis Ruiz-del-Árbol-Olmos, Ana Cano-Ruiz
• Journal: Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas : organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Patologia Digestiva (Rev Esp Enferm Dig) Vol. 105 Issue 3 Pg. 171-4 (Mar 2013) ISSN: 1130-0108 [Print] Spain
• PMID: 23735026 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Chronic Disease
• Collagenous Sprue (complications, diagnosis)
• Connective Tissue
• Diarrhea (etiology)
• Humans
• Male