Gross picture
Thick wall:
Oedema
Fibrosis
Muscle hypertrophy
Sharply demarcated damaged intestinal areas
Alteration between healthy and affected areas
Microscopic picture
Transmural inflammation including the mucosa
Chronic mucosal damage
Crypt abscesses
Ulcers and deep narrow fissures
Fistulae
Non-necrotising granulomas (without central necrosis)
Irregular muscle layer thickening due to fibrosis and reduplication
Nerve hyperplasia
Possible vasculitis
Clinical picture
Typical age: 15-30 and 50-70 years
Males and females affected equally
Course: chronic recurrent with remissions and exacerbations
More common among eastern Europen population, including Jews of European descent, African American population.
Environment: developed countries, urban areas, northern climate
Combination of gastrointestinal, extra-gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms
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