Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease (IPSID) is a rare and complex disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of lymphoid cells in the small intestine. It is classified as a type of lymphoma that primarily affects the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of the gastrointestinal tract.
IPSID is thought to be caused by chronic infection with a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni, which triggers an excessive immune response in the intestinal mucosa. This immune response leads to the formation of lymphoid follicles, or lymph node-like structures, in the small intestine, resulting in the overproduction of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies.
The excessive proliferation of lymphoid cells and the accumulation of IgA antibodies lead to a variety of symptoms, including chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and malabsorption of nutrients. In some cases, IPSID can progress to a more aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Treatment for IPSID usually involves a combination of antibiotic therapy to eradicate the underlying infection, chemotherapy to suppress the abnormal lymphoid cells, and nutritional support to manage malabsorption. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove obstructive lesions or to obtain a tissue sample for diagnosis.
Because IPSID is a rare and complex disease, it requires specialized medical expertise for accurate diagnosis and management. Long-term follow-up care is necessary to monitor for disease progression and manage potential complications.
