Enteropathies of infancy

Enteropathies of infancy constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders which are difficult to diagnose and to manage. The intestinal biopsy is a cornerstone in the investigation of many of these patients, and the role of the pathologist can be pivotal in establishing the diagnosis. Many of the entities that cause severe enteropathy of infancy have been recognized only in the last several decades. Though rare, the study of these disorders has yielded important insights into enterocyte development and function, and intestinal immunity and tolerance.