Clostridium difficile infection biopsy
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.
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)
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH
