Crohn disease
one of the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease, a chronic granulomatous disease of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology; it can involve any part of the tract, but most often is found in the terminal ileum. Characteristics include scarring and thickening of the bowel wall that frequently leads to intestinal obstruction, abscesses, and fistula formation. There is a high rate of recurrence after treatment. Called also Crohn colitis and regional or segmental enteritis. When confined to the ileum it is also called regional or terminal ileitis.
Crohn disease. (A), Stricture of the small intestine; (B), linear mucosal ulcers and thickened intestinal wall.
Medical dictionary.
2011.