Histopathologic Evaluation and Reporting in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Consensus Document Sponsored by the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society

Polydorides AD, Liu X, Hu S, Drage MG, Colombel JF, McGovern DP, De Hertogh G, Deshpande V, Vieth M, Bronner MP, Feakins R, Harpaz N, Hart J, Goldblum JR, Greenson JK, Lauwers GY, Nagtegaal ID, Odze RD, Pai RK, Riddell R, Shen B, Shepherd NA, Svrcek M, Yantiss RK, Panarelli NC (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Modern Pathology Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Hybrid Model Option B

Book Volume: 39

Article Number: 101002

Journal Issue: 6

DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2026.101002

Abstract

The histopathologic evaluation and diagnosis of specimens from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, is complicated, yet clinically important. Therefore, formalized recommendations about appropriate terminology and necessary elements to include in the corresponding report are likely to benefit practicing pathologists. This consensus document was initiated and sponsored by the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society after the majority of respondents in a survey indicated that IBD reporting guidelines would inform their daily practice. The document presented herein provides recommendations for the macroscopic and histologic examination of samples from patients with suspected or confirmed IBD at 3 distinct tiers of disease evolution: initial diagnosis with endoscopic biopsies, assessment of disease activity during colonoscopic surveillance, and evaluation of long-term prognosis after surgery. Given its complexity and importance, IBD-related neoplasia will be considered in a separate, forthcoming document. These recommendations, presented as 20 main position statements, each following a brief review of the pertinent literature and some with additional supplemental statements, reflect the strength of available published evidence. They were subjected to review, voting, and approval by all authors and, in addition, by a group of surgical pathologists and gastroenterologists with documented interest and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with IBD. We hope this document is the first in a dynamic series with subsequent iterations and revisions incorporating emerging data and evolving approaches to management.

Authors with CRIS profile

Michael Vieth Institute of Pathology

Involved external institutions

Washington University in St. Louis US United States (USA) (US) Cleveland Clinic US United States (USA) (US) Massachusetts General Hospital US United States (USA) (US) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai US United States (USA) (US) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center US United States (USA) (US) University Hospital Leuven (UZ) / Universitaire ziekenhuizen Leuven BE Belgium (BE) Harvard University US United States (USA) (US) Weill Cornell Medicine US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Polydorides, A.D., Liu, X., Hu, S., Drage, M.G., Colombel, J.F., McGovern, D.P.,... Panarelli, N.C. (2026). Histopathologic Evaluation and Reporting in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Consensus Document Sponsored by the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society. Modern Pathology, 39(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.modpat.2026.101002

MLA:

Polydorides, Alexandros D., et al. "Histopathologic Evaluation and Reporting in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Consensus Document Sponsored by the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society." Modern Pathology 39.6 (2026).

BibTeX: Download