Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Question 0

Describe the clinics presentations associated with common inflammatory vowel diseases and the variety of symptoms ip the separate pathological conditions may cause

Answer 0

CD - diarrhoea, pain, unintentional weight loss, ulcers

UC - diarrhoea, blood, crampy pain, pain when defeacating

Question 1

Describe the causes of intestinal inflammation and infection

Answer 1

Antibiotics, diet, stress, smoking, NSAIDs, acute infections

Question 2

What is Crohn’s disease?

Answer 2

Chronic inflammation potentially involving any location of the GI tract from mouth to anus
Mucosa dominated by TH1 cells producing interferon-y and IL-2
Transmural inflammation

Question 3

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Answer 3

Inflammatory disorder that affects the rectum and extends proximally in continuity to affect s variable extent of the colon
Mucosa dominated by TH2 cells which produce TGF and IL-5
Inflammation predominantly confined to musosa

Question 4

Define the term ‘ulcer’

Answer 4

A persistent defect in the epithelia

Question 5

Describe the common methods used for investigating IBD

Answer 5

Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Barium enema/swallow
MRI 
CT
Biopsy

Question 6

Recognise some of the gross and microscopic changes induced by CD and UC

Answer 6

CD - aphthous ulcer, granulomas, linear ulcers, cobble stoned appearance, transmural inflammation, strictures, fibrosis
UC - non specific inflammation, distorted crypt architecture, collar button ulcers

Question 7

Describe the common treatment options that are available for IBD

Answer 7

CD - steroids e.g. budesonide, prednisolone, immunosuppressants
UC - aminosalicylates, steroids e.g. prednisolone, immunosuppressants