LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Colitis: Uc
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The best test for diagnosis of ulcerative colitis remains endoscopy. Full colonoscopy to the cecum and entry into the terminal ileum is attempted only if diagnosis of UC is unclear. Otherwise, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is sufficient to support the diagnosis. The physician may elect to limit the extent of the exam if severe colitis is encountered to minimize the risk of perforation of the colon. Endoscopic findings in ulcerative colitis include the following:
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Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves the colon as a diffuse mucosal disease with distal predominance. The rectum is virtually always involved, and additional portions of colon may be involved extending proximally from the rectum in a continuous pattern. The etiology for UC is unknown. UC is more common in persons of Caucasian race, in women, and in young persons (peak incidence at ages 20 - 25 years).
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Endoscopic image of ulcerative colitis affecting the left side of the colon. The image shows confluent superficial ulceration and loss of mucosal architecture. Crohn's disease may be similar in appearance, a fact that can make diagnosing UC a challenge.
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The course of UC is variable among patients ranging from mild, limited colitis to severe, fulminant colitis. While the vast majority of UC patients are able to control their disease with currently available medications, approximately 15% will experience an attack of severe colitis requiring hospitalization and intensive therapy. Criteria that defines severe colitis includes the passage of > 6 bloody bowel movements per day, fever, accelerated heart rate, anemia (low blood count), elevated inflammatory markers in the blood, and electrolyte disturbances.
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Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Approximately 1 million Americans have IBD — half of whom have UC. Both men and women have an equal chance of being affected.
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