Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
U.C. is characterized by remissions and exacerbations of inflammation in the colon and/or rectum.
Chronic process affects the intestinal mucosal lining.
Causes a loss of surface epithelium, ulcerations and possible abscess formation.
Results in loose stools containing blood and mucus, malabsorption, thickening of colon wall.
Symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
Pathophysiology
Disease begins in rectum proceeds toward cecum.
Acute: epithelial cell damage and loss, ulcerations, redness, bleeding.
Chronic: Fibrosis and retraction of the bowel, muscle hypertrophy, deposition of fat and fibrous tissue, narrower shorter colon.
Complications
Colon Cancer
Intestinal perforation with resultant peritonitis and fistula formation
Toxic megacolon
Hemorrhage
Increased risk of colon cancer
Abscess formation
Malabsorption
Bowel obstruction
Extraintestinal clinical......
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