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22 April 2026 | Volume 21, Issue 1

Report on the 11th H-ECCO IBD Masterclass

Written by
Paula Borralho Nunes

H-ECCO Committee Chair

The 11th H-ECCO IBD Masterclass was held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 08:00 to 17:15. As a cornerstone of the H-ECCO Committee’s educational initiatives, this masterclass was designed specifically for a multidisciplinary audience of histopathologists and clinicians. The course ensured a high level of professional engagement and shared foundational knowledge among all attendees.

The day was structured into four distinct sessions, each targeting a critical aspect of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnostics and management:

  • Multidisciplinary foundations: The morning began with a focus on "basic patterns" in both endoscopy and histopathology, featuring insights from experts like Ferdinando D’Amico and Helder Oliveira Coelho. This session also highlighted the vital role of surgery and intestinal ultrasound in the modern diagnostic algorithm.
  • Advanced histology: Chaired by Aart Mookhoek and Helder Oliveira Coelho, this session addressed complex clinical scenarios including terminal ileitis, pouchitis and the identification of malignancy within IBD.
  • Interactive roundtables: Five specialised themes—ranging from paediatric diagnostic complexity to "mimics" and primary sclerosing cholangitis—provided a forum for intensive case discussions and peer-to-peer learning.
  • The future of IBD: The final session looked toward the horizon, discussing histopathological scoring updates, non-conventional dysplasia and the emerging potential of in vivo histology.

The masterclass attracted a diverse group of 29 participants, including seven pathologists and 14 gastroenterologists[RM3.1]. This mix fostered the exact type of cross-specialty dialogue that the H-ECCO Committee aims to promote.

Following the event, a CME Survey was conducted to measure the impact of the course. The preliminary results (on a scale of 1–5) demonstrate a high level of success across all metrics, with high scores particularly for interactivity and daily practice impact, validating the decision to maintain a multidisciplinary scope.

The H-ECCO IBD Masterclass remains a vital platform for professionals to refine their skills, stay updated on "hot topics" and ultimately improve the quality of care for IBD patients worldwide.

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