Paneth Cell Metaplasia: An Ominous Finding

Discussion regarding the nature of paneth cell metaplasia has become increasingly popular over the last decade with respect to certain breakthrough studies emphasizing on the relationship between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and PCM. However, the incident of isolated paneth cell metaplasia in an otherwise unremarkable mucosa and asymptomatic patient has not been extensively studied [1]. A strong correlation has been established between distal PCM and the presence of newly diagnosed IBD in children [2]. Further it was emphasized that even though the presence of distal PCM is a marker for the presence of IBD in an individual, the presence of proximal PCM was seen to be nonspecific sign in adults however it has been established that repair and regeneration may be the most potent stimuli for PCM [3][4].