Anorectal function in patients with collagenous colitis in active and clinically quiescent phase, in comparison with healthy controls

Abstract

Background: Collagenous colitis (CC) is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, a macroscopically normal colonic mucosa but typical microscopic inflammation. Chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon and rectum has earlier been associated with altered visceral sensitivity, but anorectal function has never been reported in cases of CC.

Methods: Fifteen patients with CC in active phase recorded their symptoms. The severity of inflammation was determined in mucosal biopsies. Anorectal function was assessed and compared with that of 15 healthy volunteers of corresponding age and matched for gender. After 6 weeks of budesonide treatment when the patients were in clinical remission anorectal function was re-assessed.

Key results: All patients had inflammation also in rectum. Patients in active phase had, during rectal balloon distension a higher rectal sensory threshold for the feeling of first sensation, compared with controls (P = 0.02). There were no differences in rectal sensory threshold for the feeling of urgency or maximum distension, between patients with CC in active phase and healthy controls. Rectal volume at first sensation was significantly greater in patients than in controls (P = 0.02), but there were no differences at urgency or maximum distension. Twelve of 15 patients completed 6 weeks of budesonide treatment and all went into clinical remission. No differences in anorectal function were measured when patients had active disease, compared with clinical remission.

Conclusions & inferences: Collagenous colitis was not associated with rectal hypersensitivity or disturbed anal function despite rectal inflammation. On the contrary, the sensation threshold for light rectal pressure was elevated in patients with active CC.