Crohn's Disease Commonly Affected Areas
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, though it most commonly occurs in the small intestine and colon. One of the most frequently affected areas is the terminal ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine before it connects to the large intestine. Additionally, Crohn's can also affect the anus, rectum, and perianal region.Key Characteristics of Crohn's Disease
1. Segmental Distribution: Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only affects the large intestine, Crohn's disease can appear anywhere along the digestive tract — from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to the small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. This widespread involvement is one of the key features distinguishing Crohn's from other inflammatory bowel diseases. The most common location for Crohn's lesions is the ileocecal region, but it can also occur in other parts of the colon.
2. Skip Lesions: Crohn's disease often exhibits a "patchy" or "jumping" pattern of involvement. This means that affected areas may be separated by sections of healthy tissue. For example, the stomach may be involved, followed by the esophagus or parts of the small and large intestines, while the intervening segments appear normal.
Unique Ulcer Patterns
3. Longitudinal Ulcers: One of the hallmark signs of Crohn's disease is the presence of longitudinal ulcers — so named because they run along the length of the intestinal wall. These ulcers differ in appearance from those seen in ulcerative colitis or intestinal tuberculosis. The linear, serpentine shape of these lesions can help doctors distinguish Crohn's disease from other conditions during endoscopic exams.