We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Working Group on Microscopic Colitis (MCWG) at the 21st Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Stockholm. This represents a significant step forward in strengthening research, collaboration and clinical guidance in this important field of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs).
Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon characterised by watery diarrhoea, urgency and faecal incontinence. The diagnosis is confirmed histologically. Although traditionally considered distinct from classical IBD entities such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, microscopic colitis presents overlapping pathogenic, immunological and therapeutic features that merit focused attention within the ECCO Community. Notably, the current ECCO President, Fernando Magro, already included MC in the ECCO Guidelines for the histopathology of IBD in 2013—a forward-looking and visionary step.
The first task of the MCWG is to develop a comprehensive topical review on MC in close collaboration with GuiCom. This review will focus on epidemiology, immunopathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment, and will also highlight the similarities between MC and IBD.
Including MC within IBD epidemiological frameworks may reveal prevalence rates exceeding 1% of the population in some countries—findings with potentially important implications for research priorities and health policy. Recent advances in molecular science further highlight the convergence between MC and IBD, particularly in relation to the microbiome, genetic susceptibility and proteomic signatures. These parallels are especially evident in budesonide-refractory cases, where selected patients are increasingly managed with biological therapies, underscoring another therapeutic bridge between MC and IBD.
We look forward to working closely with all ECCO Committees to advance the scientific understanding of microscopic colitis, foster collaborative clinical and translational research across Europe, develop evidence-based recommendations and especially strengthen education and awareness among clinicians and allied healthcare professionals.
All ECCO Members with a clinical or research interest in MC are warmly encouraged to engage in the Working Group’s activities, upcoming projects and collaborative initiatives—we invite you to get involved.
