Anatomopathological aspects of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in three pathological anatomy and cytology laboratories in Kinshasa

Abstract

Context & objective. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) lead to persistent intestinal inflammation, resulting in various complications and potentially progressing to cancer. The aim of the present study was to describe the histopathological characteristics of IBD in Kinshasa. Methods. This series retrospective and descriptive cases covered a period of 11years and was conducted in three pathology and cytology laboratories in Kinshasa that received the highest number of samples. Data were collected from histopathological analysis request forms, laboratory registers, histopathological analysis protocols, slides, and occasionally paraffin blocks. Results. IBD accounted for 8.7% of cases. Male sex was predominant across all types: ulcerative colitis (UC 57.1%), Crohn's disease (56%), and unclassified colitis (50%). The most affected age groups were: UC (41–50years, 30.6%), Crohn's disease (21–30 years, 40%), and unclassified colitis (51–60 years, 35.7%). The colon was the most frequently involved site: UC (55.1%), Crohn's disease type IBD (24%), and unclassified colitis (50%). UC (42.2%) was the most frequently observed, followed by unclassified colitis (37.1%) and Crohn's disease (20.7%). Conclusion. The IBD most commonly affects young adults and manifests as chronic symptoms, predominantly episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Received: February 15th, 2025 Accepted: October 30th, 2025 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v19i1.14