Colonoscopy - Nov 2024

 Saw a different GI, Taylor Altun, who ordered some tests.  Fecal test (fat, pancreatic elastase, calprotectin), all normal. Celiac Disease (negative), t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA, total IgA (normal), C-reactive protein (normal).   And a colonoscopy even tho I tested negative with the Cologuard, because of the Crohn's Disease antibodies that showed up in the IBD panel two years ago.  Overall, colonoscopy was normal, no polyps, etc, however the biopsy taken at the top (toward the small intestine) showed "prominent lymphoid aggregates" none in the middle, and some towards the end.   She says they are 'white blood cell clusters'.  So she is ordering an MRI of the small intestine, just because of the Crohn's Disease antibody.   Appt on December 23, 2024.  I don't have any symptoms of Crohn's Disease, tho it says it won't go away.  So maybe it'll be something I'll have to deal with as I get older.   It may be in its 'early stages', 'silent,' or 'asymptomatic.'  We'll see what the MRI says. 

Prominent lymphoid aggregates are lymphoid tissue in the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa that are larger than normal. They can appear as polyps during an endoscopic exam. 

Prominent lymphoid aggregates can be associated with:

• Infections and immunodeficiency disorders

  These include Giardia infection, celiac disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), and selective IgA deficiency. 
• Ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, or lymphoma

  When lymphoid aggregates are accompanied by other specific features, they can indicate these conditions. 
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
A colono-scopic appearance of prominent lymphoid aggregates in the colonic mucosa is called the "red ring sign". 

In the colon, lymphoid follicles and aggregates are usually considered a normal component. However, when they are present in increased numbers, they can be a sign of one of the conditions listed above.