Indeterminate colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that shares characteristics of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's diagnosed when colonoscopy and biopsy findings don't clearly point to one condition over the other. Sometimes called indeterminate Crohn's colitis or IC, it's classified under ICD-10 code K52.3.
People with indeterminate colitis often experience:
The exact cause of indeterminate colitis isn't fully understood, but several factors may play a role:
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Histology often reveals a combination of features seen in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, such as crypt distortion, mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates, and occasional noncaseating granulomas.
Diagnosis involves a combination of colonoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies (like MRI or CT enterography), blood tests, stool studies, and careful review of medical and family history to rule out other causes.
The primary ICD-10 code used for indeterminate colitis is K52.3, which helps clinicians and insurers accurately track and manage the condition.
Yes. In some patients, follow-up evaluations and additional biopsies or imaging may eventually clarify the diagnosis as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis rather than indeterminate colitis.
Most people receive a diagnosis of indeterminate colitis between the ages of 15 and 40, although it can occur at any age.
If inflammation involves the terminal ileum, it may resemble Crohn's disease, which can make distinguishing the diseases more challenging during initial evaluation.
Dietary modifications-such as a low-residue or low-FODMAP diet-can help relieve symptoms. Nutritional support and targeted vitamin supplementation may also be recommended to address deficiencies.
Surgery is considered for severe complications such as uncontrolled bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation, or if medical therapies fail to control symptoms effectively.
While there is no single gene that directly causes indeterminate colitis, having a family history of inflammatory bowel disease increases your risk of developing it.
Follow-up visits are usually scheduled every 3 to 12 months, depending on disease activity, response to treatment, and any new or worsening symptoms.
