Small bowel biopsy

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Small intestine biopsy

Biopsy - small bowel

Normal small bowel tissue includes finger-like projections (villi), crypts, columnar epithelial cells, and round cells.

Abnormal findings may include:

• Ulcers
• Polyps
• Abnormalities of the mucosa or villi (for example, flattening)
• Radiation enteritis
• PAS positive macrophages (specific type of immune cells)
• Swollen or enlarged intestinal lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels

Disorders and conditions that may be indicated by changes found on small bowel biopsy include:

• Celiac sprue
• Coccidiosis
• Folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Giardiasis
• Infectious gastroenteritis
• Crohn's disease  
• Amyloidosis
• Lymphangiectasia
• Lymphoma
• Malnutrition
• Tropical sprue
• Whipple's disease

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include lactose intolerance.

Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.