GI

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Overview

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) represents a category of chronic inflammatory intestinal disorders comprising two distinct conditions:

    • Crohn's Disease

    • Ulcerative Colitis (UC)


Comparison of gastrointestinal tract distribution in Crohn's disease versus Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

  • Pathophysiology and Anatomical Distribution:

    • Primary disease localized strictly to the colon and rectum.

    • Inflammation and ulcerations are confined to the mucosal layer.

    • Characterized by significant diarrhea accompanied by severe losses of protein, fluid, and electrolytes.


Endoscopic image of the mucosal layer displaying widespread inflammation and ulceration in ulcerative colitis

  • Clinical Manifestations:

    • Abdominal pain with marked left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal tenderness.

    • Profuse bloody diarrhea, reaching frequencies of up to 2020 loose stools per day.

    • Tenesmus (persistent and urgent desire to evacuate the bowels).

    • Anorexia, progressive weight loss, and chronic fatigue.

    • Acute constitutional symptoms: fever, vomiting, and dehydration.

  • Diagnostic Evaluation:

    • Complete Blood Count (CBC).

    • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).

    • Stool specimen analysis and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).

    • Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy with tissue biopsy.

  • Complications of Ulcerative Colitis:

    • Hemorrhage and/or hypovolemia.

    • Bowel perforation.

    • Abscess formation.

    • Toxic Megacolon (Designated Medical Emergency):

      • Characterized by acute and severe non-obstructive gross dilation of the colon.

      • Nasogastric Tube