IBD Flashcards
Crohn's and UC
What part of the GI tract does Crohn’s disease affect?
Anywhere from mouth to anus (most commonly terminal ileum and colon).
What part of the GI tract does Ulcerative Colitis affect?
Only the colon and rectum (starts at rectum, moves proximally in a continuous pattern).
What is the depth of inflammation in Crohn’s disease?
Transmural (affects entire wall).
What is the depth of inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis?
Limited to mucosa and submucosa.
What histological feature is specific to Crohn’s disease?
Non-caseating granulomas.
What histological changes are seen in UC?
Crypt abscesses, goblet cell loss, crypt distortion.
What is “cobble-stoning” and which disease shows it?
Patchy ulcers giving a cobbled appearance – seen in Crohn’s.
What are pseudopolyps and which disease are they found in?
Raised areas of mucosa between ulcerations – found in UC.
What are skip lesions and in which disease are they found?
Areas of healthy tissue between inflamed areas – seen in Crohn’s.
Is inflammation continuous or patchy in UC?
Continuous.
Which gene is associated with Crohn’s?
NOD2 gene.
What lifestyle factor protects against UC but worsens Crohn’s?
Smoking.
Which disease often causes right iliac fossa pain and weight loss?
Crohn’s disease.
Which disease commonly causes left iliac fossa pain and tenesmus?
Ulcerative Colitis.
Which IBD has more malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies?
Crohn’s (especially B12 if terminal ileum is involved).
Which disease is associated with fistulas, strictures, and abscesses?
Crohn’s disease.
Which disease has a higher risk of toxic megacolon?
Ulcerative Colitis.
Which condition is more associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)?
Ulcerative Colitis.
What investigation is first-line for diagnosis of both diseases?
Colonoscopy with biopsy.
What blood test helps differentiate IBD from IBS?
Faecal calprotectin.
Which imaging is helpful in acute Crohn’s flares?
CT/USS/MRI – look for strictures, bowel wall thickening.
What is the first-line treatment to induce remission in Crohn’s?
Glucocorticoids (e.g. prednisolone or IV hydrocortisone).
What is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate UC?
5-ASA (e.g. mesalazine).
Which condition may require enteral nutrition as remission therapy in children?
Crohn’s disease.
What surgery is curative for UC?
Total proctocolectomy.
Is surgery curative for Crohn’s disease?
No – Crohn’s can recur after resection.
