Small bowel biopsy

Alternative names:

biopsy - small bowel

Normal values:

Normal small bowel tissue includes finger-like projections (villi), crypts, columnar epithelial cells, and round cells.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal findings may include:

• abnormalities of the mucosa or villi (for example, flattening)
• radiation enteritis
• PAS positive macrophages (cells that destroy antigens in tissue)
• dilated intestinal lymph nodes

Disorders and conditions that may be indicated by changes found on small bowel biopsy include:

• celiac sprue
• coccidiosis
• folate or vitamin B12 deficiency
• giardiasis
• infectious gastroenteritis
• inflammation of the small bowel
• lymphangiectasia
• lymphoma
• malnutrition
• tropical sprue
• Whipple's disease

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• lactose intolerance