backwash ileitis


back·wash il·e·i·tis

involvement of the terminal ileum by the inflammatory and ulcerative changes seen in chronic ulcerative colitis; distinguished from involvement of ileum and proximal colon by regional (granulomatous) enteritis (for example, Crohn disease of terminal ileum and proximal colon).
The contiguous mucosal inflammation of the terminal ileum, extending proximally, seen in 10–15% of cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) as a ‘spillover’ phenomenon; unlike Crohn’s disease, which may involve the entire GI tract, UC is usually seen in the colon and rectum and occasionally the ‘backwashed’ ileum

backwash ileitis

Gastroenterology The contiguous mucosal involvement of the terminal ileum, extending proximally, seen in 10-15% of cases of ulcerative colitis–UC as a 'spillover' phenomenon; unlike Crohn's disease which may involve the entire GI tract, UC is usually seen in the colon and rectum and occasionally, 'backwashed' ileum Imaging Ulceration and irregularity; irregularity and stringiness may be seen in the mucosal pattern of postevacuation films; the mucosa may have a pseudopolypoid appearance with cobblestoning. See Ulcerative colitis.

back·wash il·e·i·tis

(bakwawsh ilē-ītis) Involvement of terminal ileum by inflammatory and ulcerative changes seen in chronic ulcerative colitis; distinguished from involvement of ileum and proximal colon by regional (granulomatous) enteritis (e.g., Crohn disease of terminal ileum and proximal colon).