​Pathology - Ulcerative Colitis

​Pathology - Ulcerative Colitis
Possibly linked to immune system malfunction
Primarily seen in women between the ages of 20 and 25, but can impact individuals of all age groups.

Pathology - Gross• Persistent colon lesions with rectal involvement, fragile mucosal lining, pseudopolyps (residual mucosal tissue from past ulcers) with freely hanging mesentery.
Minuscule. Mononuclear inflammatory cells have infiltrated the lamina propria, leading to crypt abscesses and ulcers with a neutrophilic infiltrate in the crypt lumen. Dysplastic alterations are present in the epithelial cells. Fibrosis in the submucosa and glandular atrophy are consequences of the healed disease.

May manifest as tenesmus (the feeling of needing to pass stools with unsuccessful straining). Persistent diarrhea accompanied by blood and mucous. and experiencing lower abdomen ache with cramps
Extraintestinal signs include pyoderma gangrenosum, which are severe ulcerating boils, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
 
Possible complications are severe narrowing of the colon, toxic megacolon (inflammation of nerve networks in the intestinal wall leading to tissue death), and higher chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Imaging: Loss of haustrations results in a lead-pipe look.
Antidiarrheals, sulfasalazine, glucocorticoids, immunomodulators, and proctocolectomy with ileostomy installation are curative treatments.
Ulcerative colitis is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease, similar to Crohn's disease.