by Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 1, 2022
The inside of the colon is lined by cells that connect to form long straight glands called crypts. Pathologists use the term crypt distortion to describe changes in the size, shape, and number of the crypts in the colon.
Common types of crypt distortion include:
Crypt distortion is considered a sign of long-term damage caused by inflammation in the colon. Pathologists look for this change when making the diagnosis of chronic colitis. Crypt distortion can be seen in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.