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.