The value for diagnosis and research of special investigation on rectal biopsies in Crohn's disease

✍ Scribed by I. M. P. Dawson

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1972
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 486 KB
• Volume: 59
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800591016

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Proper processing and intelligent use of rectal biopsies and resected material from patients with Crohn's disease allow a wide range of histochemical and immunological, diagnostic and research procedures. Studies of enzyme distribution in biopsies have not fulfilled their early promise, and electron microscopy has not so far proved to be of great value in differential diagnosis. Techniques for determining mucosubstances, however, can be of considerable value in separating Crohn's disease from other conditions. Studies on the distribution of lymphocytes and plasma cells using selective antibodies to human immunoglobulins are practicable and likely to be of value. Close co-operation between the surgeon and the pathologist is essential.