Ulcerative colitis Flashcards
1
Q
what areas of the GI tract can be affected by ulcerative colitis(UC)
A
confined to the colon and rectum
starts in rectum and works proximally
2
Q
describe the onset of UC
A
over weeks
3
Q
describe the lesions seen in UC
A
continuous(no skipping)
4
Q
describe what affect NSAIDs and smoking have on UC
A
NSAIDs = make it worse smoking = protective
5
Q
describe the presentation of UC
A
diarrhoea with blood + mucus, lower abdominal pain, faecal urgency, rectal bleeding on exam
6
Q
describe the affect of UC on crypts
A
cryptitis, crypt abscesses, branching + irregular crypts and plasma cells are common at base of crypts
7
Q
describe the ulceration seen in UC
A
superficial ulceration(submucosa and mucosa only) (pseudopolyps)
8
Q
what are some complications of UC
A
toxic megacolon, colorectal cancer, blood loss
9
Q
what complication of UC requires emergency surgical treatment
A
toxic megacolon
