Potential pitfalls in reporting non-neoplastic gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies

Abstract

Biopsies taken from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) comprise a significant percentage of the pathologists' routine work. The variable histology and normal components of each organ along the GIT, as well as the different ways of responding to injury among these organs, can cause morphological changes that could result in potential diagnostic pitfalls. Herein, we review the pathological conditions of the GIT that could cause these diagnostic pitfalls. Our aim was to increase awareness among pathologists and trainees regarding these conditions and provide a pragmatic approach to prevent them and achieve a correct diagnosis.