Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Clostridium difficile infection biopsy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
On microscopic examination, erosions within colonic crypts or formation of mushroom-like exudates with hemorrhage and necrosis are characteristic features of C. difficile infection.
Biopsy Findings
Biopsy Findings
On microsopic pathology, the following characteristic features may be present in C. difficile colitis:
- Erosions within colonic crypts with pseudomembrane formation, which contains neutrophils, fibrin, and necrotic debris
- Linear neutrophilic infiltration at the level of the lamina propria and within areas of necrosis
- Necrotizing enteritis with or without hemorrhage
- Submucosal edema
- Inflammatory exudates (mushroom-like)
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.