ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

What is the most common inflammatory bowel disease that may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract?

1. Ulcerative colitis

2. Diverticulitis

3. Crohn's disease

4. Chronic gastric ulcer

The correct answer is: Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is recognized as the most common inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. This condition is characterized by transmural inflammation, meaning it can impact all layers of the bowel wall, leading to complications such as strictures, fistulas, and abscesses. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which primarily affects the colon and rectum and involves only the mucosal layer, Crohn's disease can manifest in patches and lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the site of involvement. The ability of Crohn's disease to affect multiple regions in the GI tract and its unpredictable pattern of involvement distinguishes it from other gastrointestinal conditions. In contrast, diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula, typically occurring in the sigmoid colon, and does not have the widespread potential of Crohn's disease. Chronic gastric ulcers are primarily limited to the stomach and do not fit the criteria of inflammatory bowel diseases. Therefore, identifying Crohn's disease as the correct answer encompasses its unique ability to involve various areas of the GI tract, setting it apart among gastrointestinal disorders.