Concepto actual y aspectos clínicos de la enfermedad de Crohn y la colitis ulcerosa

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) groups two clinic entities: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). UC is defined as a diffuse colonic inflammation (affecting always to rectum), and may be extending (continuosly) over proximal colon. The inflammatory process is located to the colonic mucosa and submucosa. CD may affect to one or several parts of the digestive tube, including a transmural inflammation, mainly on the terminal ileum, colon and perianal region. Damaged areas are mixed with normal areas, versus UC difuse inflammation. Both disorders may present digestive and extradigestive manifestations. These comprehend arthritis, mucocutaneous signs, hepatobiliary, nephrourologic, and ocular symptoms, mainly. Differential diagnosis between UC and CD is possible, with the help of a precise clinical record, laboratory findings, endoscopic, histopathologic and image techniques. Activity index disease is a very useful tool for managing IBD. © 2005 Corporación Editora Médica del Valle.