Findings

Medium and high power views demonstrating mucosal inflammation that is non-specific in nature with both acute and chronic elements present (although the latter is predominant in this case). Crypts contain acute inflammatory cells with breakdown in the lining epithelium (crypt abscess).

Impression

Ulcerative colitis with crypt abscess

Clinical Pathologic Correlation
Complications of ulcerative colitis include stenosis, toxic megacolon, and colorectal cancer. It is also associated with pyoderma grangenosum and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Pathology Pointer

Crypt abscesses are characteristic of, but not specific for, ulcerative colitis.

Preparation

Fixed, H & E stain

View

Light micrograph

Specimen

Colon

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego