The true extent of ulcerative colitis? A radiological, endoscopic and histological study.
Twenty-six radiological, endoscopic and histological examinations of the large bowel were performed in 25 patients with ulcerative colitis. Extensive colitis was observed in 42% of the radiological, in 38% of the endoscopic, and in 27% of the histological examinations. Agreement as to the extent of the colitis between all three examination methods was reached in 53% of the cases. The endoscopic extent of colitis varied between left-sided and extensive in 41% of the patients during a 7-year median follow-up. The frequent change in the extent of ulcerative colitis and the considerable disagreement between radiography, colonoscopy and histology in evaluating the extent of colitis justify the question, "Does a true, unambiguous extent of colitis really exist?" It is more likely that the extent of colitis is just a function of time and the examination method used.
Leidenius
M
M
Fourth Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Kasarmikatu, Finland.
Kellokumpu
I
I
Linden
H
H
Taskinen
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001706:Biopsy; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography