Pathology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flashcards
Give a definition of Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory and ulcerating condition of the GI tract that can affect anywhere from mouth to anus
What sites can Crohn’s affect?
Anywhere along the GI tract, but most commonly the terminal ileum and colon
Describe the endoscopic pattern of Crohn’s
A patchy, segmental disease with skip lesions anywhere in the GI tract
What are the histopathological effects of Crohn’s?
Large, non-caseating granuloma formation
Increased inflammatory cells in the lamina propria
Transmural inflammation
Describe the gross pathology of Crohn’s
Stricturing of the terminal ileum
Thickening of the bowel wall and fat wrapping
Deep fissuring ulceration
“Cobblestoning” of mucosa
Give some complications of Crohn’s
Malabsorption
Fistulas
Anal disease
Intractable disease
Bowel obstruction
Malignancy
Give a definition for ulcerative colitis
A chronic mucosal and submucosal inflammatory disorder confined to the colon and rectum
Where does ulcerative colitis affect?
The colon and rectum
Describe the endoscopic pattern of UC
A diffuse continuous disease involving the rectum
What are the histopathological effects of UC?
Massive influx of inflammatory cells
Basal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate
Irregular shaped branching crypts
Severe ulceration with fibrinopurulent exudate
Inflammation confined to mucosa and submucosa
Give some complications of UC
Toxic megacolon
Colorectal carcinoma
Blood loss
Hypokalaemia
Anal fissures
What is toxic megacolon?
When the colon swells up to a massive size and will rupture unless removed
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