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Review
. 2025 Apr;105(2):217-232.
doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2024.09.005. Epub 2024 Nov 5.

Diagnosis and Differentiation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Kristen M Westfall  1 , Ronald Charles  1 , Emily Steinhagen  2
Affiliations
Review

Diagnosis and Differentiation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Kristen M Westfall et al. Surg Clin North Am. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Differentiating Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis may be a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to overlapping features. However, the correct diagnosis may guide treatment options and considerations regarding surgery. This study reviews the common components of diagnostic evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, this article provides a basis of understanding for the more complex aspects of the disease to be discussed in subsequent studies.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; Endoscopy; Enterography; Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures The authors have nothing to disclose.

MeSH terms