Ulcerative colitis

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.