Crohn's Disease

Key points

• Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It commonly affects the terminal ileum and colon but may be seen anywhere from the mouth to anus. Pathology
• cause is unknown but there is a strong genetic susceptibility
• inflammation occurs in all layers, down to the serosa. This is why patients with Crohn's are prone to strictures, fistulas and adhesions Crohn's disease typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood. Features include:
• presentation may be non-specific symptoms such as weight loss and lethargy
• diarrhoea: the most prominent symptom in adults. Crohn's colitis may cause bloody diarrhoea