Multiple Rectal Ulcers (64 of 110)

Extensive ulcerative colitis (UC) with pseudopolyposis The severity of the inflammatory reaction seen correlates well with the clinical course of the disease. Most of the cardinal features of UC include: Inflammation limited to the mucosa and superficial submucosa although deeper layers can be involved in fulminant colitis. Diffuse and severe distortion of crypt architecture, although this can take 6/52 to develop. Diffuse and severe reduction in crypt density. Heavy infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. In active disease neutrophils are prevalent and these can form crypt abscesses which are a reliable indicator of disease severity. Severe mucin depletion. Superficial ulceration in active disease.