Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Wergner, A.
European Network of Gastrointestinal Pathology
Survey on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 96
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Langner Cord
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction The histopathologic examination of biopsies obtained from the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the current approach to biopsy diagnosis among pathologists across Europe. Methods The European Network of Gastrointestinal Pathology (ENGIP) performed an online survey among its members in the year 2016. The survey consisted of 60 multiplechoice questions regarding inflammatory bowel disease. It evaluated how the biopsy material is referred to pathology and included questions on morphological criteria, standard histological diagnosis and reporting as well as the macroscopic workup of resection specimens. Results 185 replies were received from 36 different countries. Biopsies from different sites are in 91.2% submitted in separate containers. In 30.4% of the cases, five or more sites are targeted. One biopsy per site is sampled in 10.3%, in the remaining cases up to five biopsies are received per site. Endoscopic findings are provided in 35% of the cases, duration of symptoms in 37.7%. The treatment history is known in 25.3%. Grading of disease activity is performed 94% of cases with ulcerative colitis and in 78.0% of cases with Crohn’s disease. Of note, 63.7% of pathologists do not apply a validated grading scheme, as recommended in international guidelines. Dysplasia is graded in 98.9%, preferably applying a two-tiered system. Discussion The number of biopsies and the biopsy handling vary among countries. Often, pathologists do not receive the clinical information that is regarded necessary for appropriate work-up according to international guidelines. The disease activity is graded commonly, but widely without use of published validated scoring systems that are recommended in international guidelines. Grading of dysplasia is almost always performed.