MediAI

#Severe Ulcerative Colitis   # Toxic Megacolon   # Acute Pancolitis   # CT Imaging Findings Introduction Fulminant ulcerative colitis (Fulminant UC) represents the most severe and life-threatening manifestation of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease confined to the colon. Although ulcerative colitis typically follows a relapsing–remitting course, fulminant disease is characterized by rapid clinical deterioration, extensive colonic inflammation, systemic toxicity, and a high risk of perforation and mortality . Despite advances in biologic therapy and intensive care, fulminant UC remains a true medical and surgical emergency , demanding early recognition through clinical features and imaging, immediate multidisciplinary intervention, and decisive escalation to surgery when medical therapy fails. This column provides a comprehensive, evidence-based review of fulminant ulcerative colitis, integrating pathophysiology, epidemiology, cli...

  Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but can manifest with systemic and extraintestinal symptoms. It is characterized by transmural inflammation, skip lesions, and a propensity to cause strictures, fistulas, and abscesses. The disease most commonly involves the terminal ileum, though any segment from the mouth to the anus may be affected. This article provides a comprehensive expert-level review of Crohn’s disease, covering its etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, treatment strategies, and prognosis. Figures and imaging findings are integrated from the provided case of a 23-year-old male presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea . By the end of this column, readers will also find quiz questions with explanations to test their knowledge. Etiology and Cause The exact etiology of Crohn’s disease remains unknown ...