Pathology of the Large Intestine

Question 1

Name some common diseases of the large bowel

Answer 1

Diverticular disease
Ischaemia
Antibiotic-induced colitis
Radiation colitis

Question 2

What is diverticular disease related to and what are its symptoms?

Answer 2

Diverticular disease is related to a low fibre diet and increased intraluminal pressure. Its symptoms are:
Inflammation
Rupture
Abscess
Fistula
Massive bleeding

Question 3

Give some causes of ischaemia of the large intestine

Answer 3

CVS disease
Atrial fibrillation
Embolus
Shock
Atherosclerosis of mesenteric vessels
Vasculitis

Question 4

What is the histopathological effect of ischaemia of the large intestine?

Answer 4

Withering of crypts
Smudging of lamina propria
Fewer inflammatory cells

Question 5

Give some complications of ischaemic colitis

Answer 5

Massive bleeding
Rupture
Stricture

Question 6

How do broad spectrum antibiotics cause colitis?

Answer 6

Broad spectrum antibiotics suppress the colonic flora and allow C.diff to spread. C.diff then attacks the epithelium and endothelium, causing massive diarrhoea and bleeding

Question 7

What is the histopathological effect of antibiotic-induced colitis?

Answer 7

Explosive fibrinopurulent exudate on the surface and explosive lesions on mucosa