Endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging for assessing Crohn ׳s disease activity

Crohn ׳s disease is principally characterized by chronic and recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly found in the ileocolonic region. The chronicity and severity of intestinal inflammation together contribute to progressive, cumulative, deep, and transmural intestinal damage, as well as stricturing, obstruction, abscesses, and fistulae. Both intestinal inflammation and its chronic complications result in a range of symptoms subsequently leading to patient presentations with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia related to intestinal blood loss.

Source: Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - August 22, 2016 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ryan W. Stidham, Raymond K. Cross Source Type: research