Ulcerative Colitis

Also written as UC.

Ulcerative colitis is continuous from the rectum, though "backwash ileitis" can confuse the picture.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Chronic inflammatory disease restricted to the colon and rectum
Affects mucosa and submucosa, generally continuous
Pathogenesis: similar genetic, immune, environmental factors to CD, but distinct presentation
Starts in rectum, extends proximally in a continuous fashion
Mucosa is granular, friable, often haemorrhagic

Ulcerative colitis is continuous from the rectum, though "backwash ileitis" can confuse the picture. (Internal Medicine 4th Year 1st Semester CAT: HIV and the gut, liver disease and )
Ulcerative colitis always involves the rectum, so bloody diarrhoea is typical. (Paediatrics end of second semester exam (MBPE 4300): 4 October 2022, cardiology,)
Continuous inflammation from the rectum with bloody diarrhoea is ulcerative colitis, which is limited to the mucosa and colon. (Endocrinology and Gastroenterology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
Ulcerative colitis has transmural lesions that involve the entire GIT with a high risk of malignant transformation (Paediatrics end of 2nd semester exam (MBPE 4300): 5 October 2021, 50 MCQs)
Ulcerative colitis has rectal involvement only and a low risk of malignant transformation (Paediatrics end of 2nd semester exam (MBPE 4300): 5 October 2021, 50 MCQs)
Ulcerative colitis can show gas (toxic megacolon), and necrotising enterocolitis shows bowel-wall gas. (Internal Medicine CAT 1 (MBChB 4), 2022: liver, pancreas and bone marrow, 30 MCQ)