Ulcerative colitis

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  • Ulcerative colitis is the chronic inflammation of colonic and rectal mucosa.
  • It is characterised by superficial ulcer formation in the mucosa.
  • Some of the features of ulcerative colitis include: pseudopolyps (remnants of old ulcers), crypt abscesses, bloody diarrhoea, rectal tenesmus.
  • Some of the extra-intestinal manifestations include: arthritis (most common), uveitis, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, primary sclerosing cholangitis.
  • Complications include: toxic megacolon, anal fissures, peri-rectal abscess.
  • Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications (sulfasalazine, mesalamine), immunosuppressors, TNF blocking agents.