Extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders that are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Many different organ systems may be involved, which makes IBD a systemic disease. The most common extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) include musculoskeletal, ophthalmological, dermatological, and hepato-biliary disorders. EIM considerably contribute to the morbidity of patients with IBD, and they limit quality of life of affected patients. Due to the diversity of the organ systems involved, care should be provided by an interdisciplinary team. Early detection of EIM allows targeted therapy and reduces overall morbidity. Of importance is the fact that EIM can occur in up to 25% of all IBD patients before the onset of the first Crohn's episode or ulcerative colitis. Therefore, all doctors, especially dermatologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists should be aware of this possible association between EIM and the simultaneous occurrence of intestinal symptoms.