The aim of this course is to acquaint pathologists with some of the more difficult and controversial areas of pediatric GI pathology, present a differential diagnosis of major categories of disease as well as an approach to the handling of diagnostic specimens. Clinical pathological correlations will be emphasized. This course is intended for pediatric pathologists, general pathologists and even gastrointestinal pathologists whose practice includes pediatric GI specimens, as well as pathology fellows and residents. The topics to be discussed include allergic/eosinophilic GI disorders, encompassing the pathophysiology of food allergy as well as the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic infiltration of various segments of the GI tract; the differential diagnosis of malabsorption and protracted diarrhea of infancy, to include the role of the GI biopsy in evaluating malabsorptive disorders, as well as discussion of specific entities such as microvillus inclusion disease, congenital transport disorders, celiac disease, autoimmune enteropathy and GI manifestations of primary immunodeficiencies. The third major topic will focus on motor disorders of the bowel, including Hirschsprung’s disease, the classification of intestinal motor disorders, as well as the handling of diagnostic specimens and use of ancillary techniques.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be familiar with the role of eosinophils in GI disorders as well as the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic infiltration in various segments of the GI tract, be able to identify the major categories of diseases causing malabsorption and protracted diarrhea in the pediatric population, be familiar with the role of the GI biopsy in the evaluation of malabsorptive disorders, recognize some of the major GI manifestations of primary immunodeficiencies, and be familiar with the differential diagnosis of aganglionosis as well as the handling of specimens in the diagnosis of intestinal motor disorders.

A CD ROM of representative images with case histories will be available for mailing to pre-registrants. An extensive syllabus will be distributed at the course and a CD of additional materials will be mailed after the meeting to all registrants for the course.