pathological features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the mucosa and the submucosa, with inflammatory cell infiltrate, crypt abscess and ulcer formation. Goblet cells are few in number and frequently depleted of mucus.
Redundant mucosa between ulcers form pseudopolyps, and the mucosa is friable and bleeding easily on contact.
There are no skip lesions.
The rectosigmoid is most commonly involved with 50% of patients having total colonic involvement.
Chronic disease causes shortening and thickening of the bowel wall with haustral loss.