Lower gastrointestinal bleeding pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

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==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
===Blood supply===
===Blood supply===
* Superior mesentric artery and inferior mesentric artery are the two major blood vessels that supply lower gastrointestinal tract.<ref name="pmid11355897">{{cite journal |vauthors=Geboes K, Geboes KP, Maleux G |title=Vascular anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract |journal=Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=1–14 |year=2001 |pmid=11355897 |doi=10.1053/bega.2000.0152 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26140727">{{cite journal |vauthors=Granger DN, Holm L, Kvietys P |title=The Gastrointestinal Circulation: Physiology and Pathophysiology |journal=Compr Physiol |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=1541–83 |year=2015 |pmid=26140727 |doi=10.1002/cphy.c150007 |url=}}</ref><ref name="urlThe Gastrointestinal Circulation - NCBI Bookshelf">{{cite web |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53092/ |title=The Gastrointestinal Circulation - NCBI Bookshelf |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
* [[Superior mesenteric artery]] and [[inferior mesenteric artery]] are the two major [[blood vessels]] that supply [[lower gastrointestinal tract]].<ref name="pmid11355897">{{cite journal |vauthors=Geboes K, Geboes KP, Maleux G |title=Vascular anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract |journal=Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=1–14 |year=2001 |pmid=11355897 |doi=10.1053/bega.2000.0152 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26140727">{{cite journal |vauthors=Granger DN, Holm L, Kvietys P |title=The Gastrointestinal Circulation: Physiology and Pathophysiology |journal=Compr Physiol |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=1541–83 |year=2015 |pmid=26140727 |doi=10.1002/cphy.c150007 |url=}}</ref><ref name="urlThe Gastrointestinal Circulation - NCBI Bookshelf">{{cite web |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53092/ |title=The Gastrointestinal Circulation - NCBI Bookshelf |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
* The superior mesentric artery and inferior mesentric artery are interconnected through a branch of anatomizing branches which are collectively called as marginal artery of Drummond.   
* The [[superior mesenteric artery]] and [[inferior mesenteric artery]] are interconnected through a branch of anatomizing branches which are collectively called as marginal artery of Drummond.   
* This vascular arcade runs in the mesentery close to the bowel.
* This vascular arcade runs in the [[mesentery]] close to the [[bowel]].
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" align="center" |class="wikitable"
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" align="center" |class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" align="center" style="background:#4479BA; color: #FFFFFF;" |Lower GI Tract
! colspan="2" align="center" style="background:#4479BA; color: #FFFFFF;" |Lower GI Tract
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! align="center" style="background:#4479BA; color: #FFFFFF;" |Venous Drainage  
! align="center" style="background:#4479BA; color: #FFFFFF;" |Venous Drainage  
|-
|-
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC;" align="center" |Midgut
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC;" align="center" |[[Midgut]]
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
* Distal duodenum jejunum
* [[Duodenum|Distal duodenum]]
* Ileum
* [[Jejunum]]
* Appendix
* [[Ileum]]
* Cecum
* [[Appendix]]
* Ascending colon
* [[Cecum]]
* Hepatic flexure
* [[Ascending colon]]
* Proximal transverse colon.
* [[Hepatic flexure]]
* [[Transverse colon|Proximal transverse colon]]
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
* Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)
* [[Superior mesenteric artery]] ([[Superior mesenteric artery|SMA]])
** Ileocolic
** [[Ileocolic artery]]
** Right colic  
** [[Right colic artery]]
** Middle colic branches
** [[Middle colic artery|Middle colic branches]]
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
* Superior mesenteric vein
* [[Superior mesenteric vein]]
|-
|-
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC;" align="center" |Hindgut
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC;" align="center" |[[Hindgut]]
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
* Distal one-third of the transverse colon
* Distal one-third of the transverse colon
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* Rectumhu
* Rectumhu
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
* Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA)
* [[Inferior mesenteric artery]] ([[Inferior mesenteric artery|IMA]])
** Left colic
** [[Left colic artery]]
** Sigmoid
** [[Sigmoid arteries|Sigmoid artery]]
** Superior rectal (hemorrhoidal) branches
** [[Superior rectal artery|Superior rectal branches]]
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="left" |
* Portal system '''<sup>ɸ</sup>'''
* [[Portal venous system|Portal system]] '''<sup>ɸ</sup>'''
|-
|-
| colspan="4" style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="center" |ɸ -Except lower rectum, which drains into the systemic circulation.
| colspan="4" style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #F5F5F5;" align="center" |ɸ -Except [[Rectum|lower rectum]], which drains into the [[systemic circulation]].
|}
|}


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===Pathogenesis===
===Pathogenesis===
The pathogenesis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding can be discussed based on the etiology. Diverticulosis is the most common etiology of lower GI bleeding accounting for 30% of all cases, followed by anorectal disease, ischemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), neoplasia and arteriovenous (AV) malformations.
The pathogenesis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding can be discussed based on the etiology. [[Diverticulosis]] is the most common etiology of lower GI bleeding accounting for 30% of all cases, followed by anorectal disease, [[ischemia]], [[inflammatory bowel disease]] ([[Inflammatory bowel disease|IBD]]), [[Colorectal cancer|neoplasia]] and [[Angiodysplasia|arteriovenous (AV) malformations]].
*'''<u>Diverticulosis</u>'''
*'''<u>[[Diverticulosis]]</u>'''
**The colonic wall weakens with age and results in the formation of saclike protrusions known as diverticula.<ref name="pmid20011269">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hobson KG, Roberts PL |title=Etiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=147–53 |year=2004 |pmid=20011269 |pmc=2780060 |doi=10.1055/s-2004-832695 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid20011276">{{cite journal |vauthors=Maykel JA, Opelka FG |title=Colonic diverticulosis and diverticular hemorrhage |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=195–204 |year=2004 |pmid=20011276 |pmc=2780065 |doi=10.1055/s-2004-832702 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid17468551">{{cite journal |vauthors=Comparato G, Pilotto A, Franzè A, Franceschi M, Di Mario F |title=Diverticular disease in the elderly |journal=Dig Dis |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=151–9 |year=2007 |pmid=17468551 |doi=10.1159/000099480 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid20676256">{{cite journal |vauthors=Matrana MR, Margolin DA |title=Epidemiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=141–6 |year=2009 |pmid=20676256 |pmc=2780269 |doi=10.1055/s-0029-1236157 |url=}}</ref>
**The [[Intestinal wall|colonic wall]] weakens with age and results in the formation of sac-like protrusions known as diverticula.<ref name="pmid20011269">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hobson KG, Roberts PL |title=Etiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=147–53 |year=2004 |pmid=20011269 |pmc=2780060 |doi=10.1055/s-2004-832695 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid20011276">{{cite journal |vauthors=Maykel JA, Opelka FG |title=Colonic diverticulosis and diverticular hemorrhage |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=195–204 |year=2004 |pmid=20011276 |pmc=2780065 |doi=10.1055/s-2004-832702 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid17468551">{{cite journal |vauthors=Comparato G, Pilotto A, Franzè A, Franceschi M, Di Mario F |title=Diverticular disease in the elderly |journal=Dig Dis |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=151–9 |year=2007 |pmid=17468551 |doi=10.1159/000099480 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid20676256">{{cite journal |vauthors=Matrana MR, Margolin DA |title=Epidemiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=141–6 |year=2009 |pmid=20676256 |pmc=2780269 |doi=10.1055/s-0029-1236157 |url=}}</ref>
**These protrusions generally occur at the junction of blood vessel penetrating through the mucosa and circular muscle fibers of the colon resulting in painless bleeding
**These protrusions generally occur at the junction of [[blood vessel]] penetrating through the [[mucosa]] and circular muscle fibers of the [[colon]] resulting in painless [[bleeding]]
**Despite the majority of diverticula being on the left side of the colon, diverticular bleeding originates from the right side of the colon in 50% to 90% of instances.
**Despite the majority of diverticula being on the left side of the colon, diverticular bleeding originates from the right side of the [[colon]] in 50% to 90% of instances.
[[Image:Sigmoid diverticulum (diagram).jpg|thumb|center|400px|Diagram of sigmoid diverticulum<br>Source:By Anpol42 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons]]
[[Image:Sigmoid diverticulum (diagram).jpg|thumb|center|400px|Diagram of sigmoid diverticulum<br>Source:By Anpol42 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons]]
*'''<u>Anorectal disease</u>'''
*'''<u>Anorectal disease</u>'''
:*Hemorrhoids are engorged vessels in the normal anal cushions. When swollen, this tissue is very friable and susceptible to trauma, which leads to painless, bright red bleeding.<ref name="pmid22563187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lohsiriwat V |title=Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=18 |issue=17 |pages=2009–17 |year=2012 |pmid=22563187 |pmc=3342598 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid22379400">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sanchez C, Chinn BT |title=Hemorrhoids |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=5–13 |year=2011 |pmid=22379400 |pmc=3140328 |doi=10.1055/s-0031-1272818 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid22563187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lohsiriwat V |title=Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=18 |issue=17 |pages=2009–17 |year=2012 |pmid=22563187 |pmc=3342598 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009 |url=}}</ref>
:*[[Hemorrhoids]] are engorged [[Blood vessel|vessels]] in the normal anal cushions. When swollen, this [[tissue]] is very friable and susceptible to [[trauma]], which leads to painless, bright red bleeding.<ref name="pmid22563187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lohsiriwat V |title=Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=18 |issue=17 |pages=2009–17 |year=2012 |pmid=22563187 |pmc=3342598 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid22379400">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sanchez C, Chinn BT |title=Hemorrhoids |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=5–13 |year=2011 |pmid=22379400 |pmc=3140328 |doi=10.1055/s-0031-1272818 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid22563187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lohsiriwat V |title=Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=18 |issue=17 |pages=2009–17 |year=2012 |pmid=22563187 |pmc=3342598 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009 |url=}}</ref>
:*Anal fissures are defined as a tear in the anal mucosa. With the passage of stool, the mucosa continues to tear and leads to bright red bleeding. <ref name="pmid3140330">{{cite journal |vauthors=Holland RA, Rimes AF, Comis A, Tyndale-Biscoe CH |title=Oxygen carriage and carbonic anhydrase activity in the blood of a marsupial, the Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), during early development |journal=Respir Physiol |volume=73 |issue=1 |pages=69–86 |year=1988 |pmid=3140330 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
:*[[Anal fissures]] are defined as a tear in the anal mucosa. With the passage of [[stool]], the [[mucosa]] continues to tear and leads to bright red bleeding. <ref name="pmid3140330">{{cite journal |vauthors=Holland RA, Rimes AF, Comis A, Tyndale-Biscoe CH |title=Oxygen carriage and carbonic anhydrase activity in the blood of a marsupial, the Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), during early development |journal=Respir Physiol |volume=73 |issue=1 |pages=69–86 |year=1988 |pmid=3140330 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
*'''<u>Mesenteric Ischemia</u>'''
*'''<u>[[Mesenteric ischemia|Mesenteric Ischemia]]</u>'''
:*Mesenteric ischemia results when there is inadequate blood supply at the level of the small intestine.<ref name="pmid9146726">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krupski WC, Selzman CH, Whitehill TA |title=Unusual causes of mesenteric ischemia |journal=Surg. Clin. North Am. |volume=77 |issue=2 |pages=471–502 |year=1997 |pmid=9146726 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21326562">{{cite journal |vauthors=Walker TG |title=Mesenteric ischemia |journal=Semin Intervent Radiol |volume=26 |issue=3 |pages=175–83 |year=2009 |pmid=21326562 |pmc=3036494 |doi=10.1055/s-0029-1225662 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid18625147">{{cite journal |vauthors=Berland T, Oldenburg WA |title=Acute mesenteric ischemia |journal=Curr Gastroenterol Rep |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=341–6 |year=2008 |pmid=18625147 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26909235">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mastoraki A, Mastoraki S, Tziava E, Touloumi S, Krinos N, Danias N, Lazaris A, Arkadopoulos N |title=Mesenteric ischemia: Pathogenesis and challenging diagnostic and therapeutic modalities |journal=World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=125–30 |year=2016 |pmid=26909235 |pmc=4753178 |doi=10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.125 |url=}}</ref>
:*[[Mesenteric ischemia]] results when there is inadequate blood supply at the level of the [[small intestine]].<ref name="pmid9146726">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krupski WC, Selzman CH, Whitehill TA |title=Unusual causes of mesenteric ischemia |journal=Surg. Clin. North Am. |volume=77 |issue=2 |pages=471–502 |year=1997 |pmid=9146726 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21326562">{{cite journal |vauthors=Walker TG |title=Mesenteric ischemia |journal=Semin Intervent Radiol |volume=26 |issue=3 |pages=175–83 |year=2009 |pmid=21326562 |pmc=3036494 |doi=10.1055/s-0029-1225662 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid18625147">{{cite journal |vauthors=Berland T, Oldenburg WA |title=Acute mesenteric ischemia |journal=Curr Gastroenterol Rep |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=341–6 |year=2008 |pmid=18625147 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26909235">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mastoraki A, Mastoraki S, Tziava E, Touloumi S, Krinos N, Danias N, Lazaris A, Arkadopoulos N |title=Mesenteric ischemia: Pathogenesis and challenging diagnostic and therapeutic modalities |journal=World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=125–30 |year=2016 |pmid=26909235 |pmc=4753178 |doi=10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.125 |url=}}</ref>
:*2 or more vessels (celiac ,SMA, or IMA) must be involved for bleeding to occur.
:*2 or more vessels ([[Celiac artery|celiac]], [[Superior mesenteric artery|SMA]], or [[Inferior mesenteric artery|IMA]]) must be involved for bleeding to occur.
:*Non occlusive mesenetric ischemia affects critically ill patients who are vasopressor-dependent.
:*Non occlusive mesenetric ischemia affects critically ill patients who are vasopressor-dependent.
:*Venous thrombosis of the visceral vessels can also precipitate an acute ischemic event.
:*[[Venous thrombosis]] of the visceral vessels can also precipitate an acute ischemic event.
:*Decreased blood flow leads to transmural infarction with necrosis and perforation.
:*Decreased blood flow leads to transmural infarction with [[necrosis]] and [[perforation]].
:*Associated mucosal sloughing results in bleeding.
:*Associated mucosal sloughing results in bleeding.
*'''<u>Ischemic Colitis</u>'''
*'''<u>[[Ischemic colitis|Ischemic Colitis]]</u>'''
:*Ischemic colitis is caused by poor perfusion of the colon, which results in the inability of that area of the colon to meet its metabolic demands.<ref name="pmid26034405">{{cite journal |vauthors=FitzGerald JF, Hernandez Iii LO |title=Ischemic colitis |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=93–8 |year=2015 |pmid=26034405 |pmc=4442720 |doi=10.1055/s-0035-1549099 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid19109863">{{cite journal |vauthors=Theodoropoulou A, Koutroubakis IE |title=Ischemic colitis: clinical practice in diagnosis and treatment |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=14 |issue=48 |pages=7302–8 |year=2008 |pmid=19109863 |pmc=2778113 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid25504381">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rania H, Mériam S, Rym E, Hyafa R, Amine A, Najet BH, Lassad G, Mohamed TK |title=Ischemic colitis in five points: an update 2013 |journal=Tunis Med |volume=92 |issue=5 |pages=299–303 |year=2014 |pmid=25504381 |doi= |url=}}</ref>  
:*[[Ischemic colitis]] is caused by poor [[perfusion]] of the [[colon]], which results in the inability of that area of the colon to meet its metabolic demands.<ref name="pmid26034405">{{cite journal |vauthors=FitzGerald JF, Hernandez Iii LO |title=Ischemic colitis |journal=Clin Colon Rectal Surg |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=93–8 |year=2015 |pmid=26034405 |pmc=4442720 |doi=10.1055/s-0035-1549099 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid19109863">{{cite journal |vauthors=Theodoropoulou A, Koutroubakis IE |title=Ischemic colitis: clinical practice in diagnosis and treatment |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=14 |issue=48 |pages=7302–8 |year=2008 |pmid=19109863 |pmc=2778113 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid25504381">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rania H, Mériam S, Rym E, Hyafa R, Amine A, Najet BH, Lassad G, Mohamed TK |title=Ischemic colitis in five points: an update 2013 |journal=Tunis Med |volume=92 |issue=5 |pages=299–303 |year=2014 |pmid=25504381 |doi= |url=}}</ref>  
:*It can be gangrenous or nongangrenous, acute, transient, or chronic.
:*It can be [[gangrenous]] or nongangrenous, acute, transient, or chronic.
:*The left colon is predominantly affected, with the splenic flexure having increased susceptibility.
:*The [[Colon (anatomy)|left colon]] is predominantly affected, with the [[splenic flexure]] having increased susceptibility.
:*Intraluminal hemorrhage occurs as the mucosa becomes necrotic, sloughs, and bleeds.
:*Intraluminal [[hemorrhage]] occurs as the [[mucosa]] becomes [[necrotic]], sloughs, and bleeds.
:*Damage to the tissue is caused both with the ischemic insult as well as reperfusion injury.
:*Damage to the tissue is caused both with the ischemic insult as well as [[reperfusion injury]].
*'''<u>Inflammatory Bowel Disease</u>'''<ref name="pmid28261018">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kim DH, Cheon JH |title=Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Recent Advances in Biologic Therapies |journal=Immune Netw |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=25–40 |year=2017 |pmid=28261018 |pmc=5334120 |doi=10.4110/in.2017.17.1.25 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid11781268">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hendrickson BA, Gokhale R, Cho JH |title=Clinical aspects and pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease |journal=Clin. Microbiol. Rev. |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=79–94 |year=2002 |pmid=11781268 |pmc=118061 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
*'''<u>Inflammatory Bowel Disease</u>'''<ref name="pmid28261018">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kim DH, Cheon JH |title=Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Recent Advances in Biologic Therapies |journal=Immune Netw |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=25–40 |year=2017 |pmid=28261018 |pmc=5334120 |doi=10.4110/in.2017.17.1.25 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid11781268">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hendrickson BA, Gokhale R, Cho JH |title=Clinical aspects and pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease |journal=Clin. Microbiol. Rev. |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=79–94 |year=2002 |pmid=11781268 |pmc=118061 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
**'''Crohn's diseas'''
**'''[[Crohn's disease]]'''
***In Crohn's disease T cell activation stimulates interleukin (IL)-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, which causes chronic inflammation and tissue injury.<ref name="pmid4447044">{{cite journal |vauthors=Woźniak-Parnowska W, Werakso B |title=[Comparative studies of microbiological purity of ointments by the direct culture method and use of membrane filters] |language=Polish |journal=Acta Pol Pharm |volume=31 |issue=6 |pages=819–23 |year=1974 |pmid=4447044 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24395894">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mazal J |title=Crohn disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment |journal=Radiol Technol |volume=85 |issue=3 |pages=297–316; quiz 317–20 |year=2014 |pmid=24395894 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid2694136">{{cite journal |vauthors=Jewell DP |title=Aetiology and pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease |journal=Postgrad Med J |volume=65 |issue=768 |pages=718–9 |year=1989 |pmid=2694136 |pmc=2429831 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid16819502">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sartor RB |title=Mechanisms of disease: pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |journal=Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol |volume=3 |issue=7 |pages=390–407 |year=2006 |pmid=16819502 |doi=10.1038/ncpgasthep0528 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15656711">{{cite journal |vauthors=Head K, Jurenka JS |title=Inflammatory bowel disease. Part II: Crohn's disease--pathophysiology and conventional and alternative treatment options |journal=Altern Med Rev |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=360–401 |year=2004 |pmid=15656711 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24415861">{{cite journal |vauthors=Zhang YZ, Li YY |title=Inflammatory bowel disease: pathogenesis |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=91–9 |year=2014 |pmid=24415861 |pmc=3886036 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.91 |url=}}</ref>
***In [[Crohn's disease]] [[T cell]] activation stimulates [[Interleukin 12|interleukin (IL)-12]] and [[Tumor necrosis factor alpha|tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α]], which causes chronic [[inflammation]] and tissue injury.<ref name="pmid4447044">{{cite journal |vauthors=Woźniak-Parnowska W, Werakso B |title=[Comparative studies of microbiological purity of ointments by the direct culture method and use of membrane filters] |language=Polish |journal=Acta Pol Pharm |volume=31 |issue=6 |pages=819–23 |year=1974 |pmid=4447044 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24395894">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mazal J |title=Crohn disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment |journal=Radiol Technol |volume=85 |issue=3 |pages=297–316; quiz 317–20 |year=2014 |pmid=24395894 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid2694136">{{cite journal |vauthors=Jewell DP |title=Aetiology and pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease |journal=Postgrad Med J |volume=65 |issue=768 |pages=718–9 |year=1989 |pmid=2694136 |pmc=2429831 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid16819502">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sartor RB |title=Mechanisms of disease: pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |journal=Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol |volume=3 |issue=7 |pages=390–407 |year=2006 |pmid=16819502 |doi=10.1038/ncpgasthep0528 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15656711">{{cite journal |vauthors=Head K, Jurenka JS |title=Inflammatory bowel disease. Part II: Crohn's disease--pathophysiology and conventional and alternative treatment options |journal=Altern Med Rev |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=360–401 |year=2004 |pmid=15656711 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24415861">{{cite journal |vauthors=Zhang YZ, Li YY |title=Inflammatory bowel disease: pathogenesis |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=91–9 |year=2014 |pmid=24415861 |pmc=3886036 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.91 |url=}}</ref>
***Initially, inflammation starts focally around the crypts, followed by superficial ulceration of the mucosa.
***Initially, [[inflammation]] starts focally around the [[Crypts of Lieberkühn|crypts]], followed by superficial [[ulceration]] of the [[mucosa]].
***The deep mucosal layers are then invaded in a noncontinuous fashion, and noncaseating granulomas form, which can invade through the entire thickness of the bowel and into the mesentery and surrounding structures resulting in bleeding
***The deep mucosal layers are then invaded in a noncontinuous fashion, and noncaseating granulomas form, which can invade through the entire thickness of the bowel and into the mesentery and surrounding structures resulting in bleeding
:* '''<u>Ulcerative colitis</u>'''
:* '''<u>Ulcerative colitis</u>'''
:** In ulcerative colitis T cells cytotoxic to the colonic epithelium accumulate in the lamina propria, accompanied by B cells that secrete immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgE.<ref name="pmid16819502">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sartor RB |title=Mechanisms of disease: pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |journal=Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol |volume=3 |issue=7 |pages=390–407 |year=2006 |pmid=16819502 |doi=10.1038/ncpgasthep0528 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid27914657">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ungaro R, Mehandru S, Allen PB, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Colombel JF |title=Ulcerative colitis |journal=Lancet |volume=389 |issue=10080 |pages=1756–1770 |year=2017 |pmid=27914657 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32126-2 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid11830216">{{cite journal |vauthors=Farrell RJ, Peppercorn MA |title=Ulcerative colitis |journal=Lancet |volume=359 |issue=9303 |pages=331–40 |year=2002 |pmid=11830216 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(02)07499-8 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1516252">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rönnblom LE, Janson ET, Perers A, Oberg KE, Alm GV |title=Characterization of anti-interferon-alpha antibodies appearing during recombinant interferon-alpha 2a treatment |journal=Clin. Exp. Immunol. |volume=89 |issue=3 |pages=330–5 |year=1992 |pmid=1516252 |pmc=1554468 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
:** In [[ulcerative colitis]] [[T cells]] [[cytotoxic]] to the colonic epithelium accumulate in the [[lamina propria]], accompanied by [[B cells]] that secrete [[immunoglobulin G]] ([[Immunoglobulin G|IgG]]) and [[Immunoglobulin E|IgE]].<ref name="pmid16819502">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sartor RB |title=Mechanisms of disease: pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |journal=Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol |volume=3 |issue=7 |pages=390–407 |year=2006 |pmid=16819502 |doi=10.1038/ncpgasthep0528 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid27914657">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ungaro R, Mehandru S, Allen PB, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Colombel JF |title=Ulcerative colitis |journal=Lancet |volume=389 |issue=10080 |pages=1756–1770 |year=2017 |pmid=27914657 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32126-2 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid11830216">{{cite journal |vauthors=Farrell RJ, Peppercorn MA |title=Ulcerative colitis |journal=Lancet |volume=359 |issue=9303 |pages=331–40 |year=2002 |pmid=11830216 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(02)07499-8 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1516252">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rönnblom LE, Janson ET, Perers A, Oberg KE, Alm GV |title=Characterization of anti-interferon-alpha antibodies appearing during recombinant interferon-alpha 2a treatment |journal=Clin. Exp. Immunol. |volume=89 |issue=3 |pages=330–5 |year=1992 |pmid=1516252 |pmc=1554468 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
:** This results in inflammation of the crypts of Lieberkuhn, with abscesses and pseudopolyps along with rupturing of minute blood vessels in mucosa resulting in bleeding.
:** This results in [[inflammation]] of the [[crypts of Lieberkuhn]], with [[abscesses]] and [[pseudopolyps]] along with rupturing of minute blood vessels in mucosa resulting in bleeding.
*'''<u>Neoplasia</u>'''
*'''<u>Neoplasia</u>'''
:*Mutations of multiple genes are required for the formation of adenocarcinoma, including the APC gene, Kras, DCC, and p53.<ref name="pmid12702969">{{cite journal |vauthors=Itzkowitz S |title=Colon carcinogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease: applying molecular genetics to clinical practice |journal=J. Clin. Gastroenterol. |volume=36 |issue=5 Suppl |pages=S70–4; discussion S94–6 |year=2003 |pmid=12702969 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21530747">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ullman TA, Itzkowitz SH |title=Intestinal inflammation and cancer |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=140 |issue=6 |pages=1807–16 |year=2011 |pmid=21530747 |doi=10.1053/j.gastro.2011.01.057 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid19589728">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kraus S, Arber N |title=Inflammation and colorectal cancer |journal=Curr Opin Pharmacol |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=405–10 |year=2009 |pmid=19589728 |doi=10.1016/j.coph.2009.06.006 |url=}}</ref>  
:*Mutations of multiple genes are required for the formation of [[Colon cancer|adenocarcinoma]], including the [[APC (gene)|APC gene]], Kras, DCC, and [[P53 (protein)|p53]].<ref name="pmid12702969">{{cite journal |vauthors=Itzkowitz S |title=Colon carcinogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease: applying molecular genetics to clinical practice |journal=J. Clin. Gastroenterol. |volume=36 |issue=5 Suppl |pages=S70–4; discussion S94–6 |year=2003 |pmid=12702969 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21530747">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ullman TA, Itzkowitz SH |title=Intestinal inflammation and cancer |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=140 |issue=6 |pages=1807–16 |year=2011 |pmid=21530747 |doi=10.1053/j.gastro.2011.01.057 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid19589728">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kraus S, Arber N |title=Inflammation and colorectal cancer |journal=Curr Opin Pharmacol |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=405–10 |year=2009 |pmid=19589728 |doi=10.1016/j.coph.2009.06.006 |url=}}</ref>  
:*Certain hereditary syndromes are also classified by defects in DNA mismatch repair genes and microsatellite instability.
:*Certain hereditary syndromes are also classified by defects in DNA mismatch repair genes and microsatellite instability.
:*As tumor grows it invades the surrounding tissue disrupting the normal vasculature along with it
:*As tumor grows it invades the surrounding tissue disrupting the normal [[vasculature]] along with it
:*Therefore tumors tend to bleed slowly, and patients present with hemocult positive stools and microcytic anemia.
:*Therefore tumors tend to bleed slowly, and patients present with hemocult positive stools and [[Microcytic anemia|microcytic anemia.]]
*'''<u>AV Malformation/Angiodysplasia</u>'''
*'''<u>AV Malformation/Angiodysplasia</u>'''
:*In AV malformation direct connections between arteries and veins occur in the colonic submucosa.<ref name="pmid8389094">{{cite journal |vauthors=Foutch PG |title=Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract |journal=Am. J. Gastroenterol. |volume=88 |issue=6 |pages=807–18 |year=1993 |pmid=8389094 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9048468">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dodda G, Trotman BW |title=Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia |journal=J Assoc Acad Minor Phys |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=16–9 |year=1997 |pmid=9048468 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1744847">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kheterpal S |title=Angiodysplasia: a review |journal=J R Soc Med |volume=84 |issue=10 |pages=615–8 |year=1991 |pmid=1744847 |pmc=1295562 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid311247">{{cite journal |vauthors=Athanasoulis CA, Galdabini JJ, Waltman AC, Novelline RA, Greenfield AJ, Ezpeleta ML |title=Angiodysplasia of the colon: a cause of rectal bleeding |journal=Cardiovasc Radiol |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=3–13 |year=1977 |pmid=311247 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24138285">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sami SS, Al-Araji SA, Ragunath K |title=Review article: gastrointestinal angiodysplasia - pathogenesis, diagnosis and management |journal=Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=15–34 |year=2014 |pmid=24138285 |doi=10.1111/apt.12527 |url=}}</ref>
:*In [[Arteriovenous malformations|AV malformation]] direct connections between arteries and veins occur in the colonic [[submucosa]].<ref name="pmid8389094">{{cite journal |vauthors=Foutch PG |title=Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract |journal=Am. J. Gastroenterol. |volume=88 |issue=6 |pages=807–18 |year=1993 |pmid=8389094 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9048468">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dodda G, Trotman BW |title=Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia |journal=J Assoc Acad Minor Phys |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=16–9 |year=1997 |pmid=9048468 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1744847">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kheterpal S |title=Angiodysplasia: a review |journal=J R Soc Med |volume=84 |issue=10 |pages=615–8 |year=1991 |pmid=1744847 |pmc=1295562 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid311247">{{cite journal |vauthors=Athanasoulis CA, Galdabini JJ, Waltman AC, Novelline RA, Greenfield AJ, Ezpeleta ML |title=Angiodysplasia of the colon: a cause of rectal bleeding |journal=Cardiovasc Radiol |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=3–13 |year=1977 |pmid=311247 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24138285">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sami SS, Al-Araji SA, Ragunath K |title=Review article: gastrointestinal angiodysplasia - pathogenesis, diagnosis and management |journal=Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=15–34 |year=2014 |pmid=24138285 |doi=10.1111/apt.12527 |url=}}</ref>
:*The lack of capillary buffers causes high pressure blood to enter directly into the venous system, making these vessels at high risk of rupture into the bowel lumen.
:*The lack of [[capillary]] buffers causes high pressure blood to enter directly into the venous system, making these [[vessels]] at high risk of rupture into the bowel lumen.
:*In Angiodysplasia over time, previously healthy blood vessels of the cecum and ascending colon degenerate and become prone to bleeding.
:*In [[Angiodysplasia]] over time, previously healthy blood vessels of the cecum and ascending colon [[degenerate]] and become prone to bleeding.


==Gross and Microscopic Pathology==
==Gross and Microscopic Pathology==
Line 103: Line 104:
|
|
* Numerous visible flask like protrusions along the intestinal wall.
* Numerous visible flask like protrusions along the intestinal wall.
* Thick and corrugated circular muscle with mucosal folds.
* Thick and corrugated circular muscle fibers with mucosal folds.
|
|
* Inflammatory cells  
* Numerous [[Inflammatory cells|cells of inflammation]]
* Intramucosal ganglion cells  
* [[Ganglion cells|Intramucosal ganglion cells]]
* Lymphoid infiltrate
* Lymphoid infiltrate
* Lymphoglandular complexes
* [[Cryptitis|Mild cryptitis]]
* Mucin depletion
* [[Paneth cells|Paneth cell metaplasia]]
* Mild cryptitis
* [[Ulcers]]
* Achitectural distortion
* Paneth cell metaplasia
* Ulceration 
|-
|-
|Angiodysplasia<ref name="pmid4029903">{{cite journal |vauthors=Stamm B, Heer M, Bühler H, Ammann R |title=Mucosal biopsy of vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) of the large bowel detected during routine colonoscopic examination |journal=Histopathology |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=639–46 |year=1985 |pmid=4029903 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
|Angiodysplasia<ref name="pmid4029903">{{cite journal |vauthors=Stamm B, Heer M, Bühler H, Ammann R |title=Mucosal biopsy of vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) of the large bowel detected during routine colonoscopic examination |journal=Histopathology |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=639–46 |year=1985 |pmid=4029903 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
Line 119: Line 117:
* Tortuous dilation of multiple small submucosal and mucosal blood vessels.
* Tortuous dilation of multiple small submucosal and mucosal blood vessels.
|
|
* Dilated and thin-walled vessels in mucosa and submucosa often in clusters.
* Clusters of numerous dilated and thin-walled vessels in [[mucosa]] and [[Submucosal|submucosa]].
* Surrounding mucosa may be eroded
* Erosion of surrounding mucosa.
|-
|-
|Hemorrhoids<ref name="pmid22563187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lohsiriwat V |title=Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=18 |issue=17 |pages=2009–17 |year=2012 |pmid=22563187 |pmc=3342598 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009 |url=}}</ref>
|Hemorrhoids<ref name="pmid22563187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lohsiriwat V |title=Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=18 |issue=17 |pages=2009–17 |year=2012 |pmid=22563187 |pmc=3342598 |doi=10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009 |url=}}</ref>
Line 127: Line 125:
|
|
* Dilated, thick-walled, congested submucosal vessels  
* Dilated, thick-walled, congested submucosal vessels  
* Papillary endothelial hyperplasia
* Papillary endothelial [[hyperplasia]]
* Internal hemorrhoids are lined by rectal or transitional mucosa,
* Superficial [[ulcerations]]
* External hemorrhoids have a squamous lining
* Superficial ulcerations
* Pagetoid dyskeratosis  
* Pagetoid dyskeratosis  
|-
|-
Line 137: Line 133:
* Hemorrhagic infarctions
* Hemorrhagic infarctions


* Ulcerations
* [[Ulcerations]]
* Mucosal plaque
* [[Strictures]]
* Strictures
|
|
* Lamina propria hemorrhage
* Hemorrhage in lamina propria  
* Superficial epithelial necrosis,
* [[Necrosis]] of superficial epithelial
* Deep crypts
* Deep crypts
* Minimal inflammation
* [[Fibrosis]]
* Strictures
|-
|-
|Ischemic colitis<ref name="pmid1731389">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mitsudo S, Brandt LJ |title=Pathology of intestinal ischemia |journal=Surg. Clin. North Am. |volume=72 |issue=1 |pages=43–63 |year=1992 |pmid=1731389 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
|Ischemic colitis<ref name="pmid1731389">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mitsudo S, Brandt LJ |title=Pathology of intestinal ischemia |journal=Surg. Clin. North Am. |volume=72 |issue=1 |pages=43–63 |year=1992 |pmid=1731389 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
|
|
* Discrete or serpiginous ulcerations (may be discrete or serpiginous)
* Discrete or serpiginous ulcerations  
* Cobblestone pattern resembling Crohn’s disease
* [[Pseudopolyps]]
* Pseudopolyps resembling ulcerative colitis
* Hemorrhagic infractions  
* Hemorrhagic infractions  
* Frank blood or dark mucus in lumen
* Frank blood or dark mucus in lumen
* Late fibrosis and stricture formation
* [[Strictures]]
|
|
* Hallmarks of ischemic bowel are necrotizing phlebitis and thrombi formation
* Necrotizing phlebitis  
* Necrosis
* Multiple thrombi  
* Ulceration and granulation tissue extend into submucosa and surrounding smooth muscle fibers of muscularis mucosa
* [[Ulcerations]]
* [[Granulation tissue]] extending into surrounding [[submucosa]] and smooth muscle fibers.
|-
|-
|Crohn's disease<ref name="pmid1089084">{{cite journal |vauthors=Price AB, Morson BC |title=Inflammatory bowel disease: the surgical pathology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |journal=Hum. Pathol. |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=7–29 |year=1975 |pmid=1089084 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9537465">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wright CL, Riddell RH |title=Histology of the stomach and duodenum in Crohn's disease |journal=Am. J. Surg. Pathol. |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=383–90 |year=1998 |pmid=9537465 |doi= |url=}}</ref> 
|Crohn's disease<ref name="pmid1089084">{{cite journal |vauthors=Price AB, Morson BC |title=Inflammatory bowel disease: the surgical pathology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |journal=Hum. Pathol. |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=7–29 |year=1975 |pmid=1089084 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9537465">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wright CL, Riddell RH |title=Histology of the stomach and duodenum in Crohn's disease |journal=Am. J. Surg. Pathol. |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=383–90 |year=1998 |pmid=9537465 |doi= |url=}}</ref> 
|
|
* Dull and granular serosa
* Creeping fat
* Creeping fat  
* Thick/rubbery intestinal wall  
* Thick/rubbery intestinal wall (due to edema, inflammation, fibrosis, hypertrophy of muscularis propria)
* [[Strictures]] (string sign on barium enema)
* Strictures (string sign on barium enema)
* Skip areas
* Skip areas
* Aphthous mucosal ulcers
* [[Aphthous ulcers|Aphthous mucosal ulcers]]
|
|
* Superficial or deep ulceration
* Superficial or deep ulcerations
* Adjacent granulation tissue extending into deep submucosa or below.
* [[Granulation tissue]] extending into surrounding [[submucosa]] and smooth muscle fibers.
* Transmural inflammation with lymphoid aggregates
* Transmural inflammation with lymphoid aggregates
* Goblet cells  
* [[Goblet cells]]
* Focal neutrophils in epithelium and overlying lymphoid aggregates and plasmacytosis
* Focal neutrophils in epithelium
* Lymphoid aggregates  
* [[Plasmacytosis]]
* Edematous mucosa and submucosa  
* Edematous mucosa and submucosa  
|-
|-
Line 180: Line 175:
* Deep fissuring ulcerations
* Deep fissuring ulcerations
* Hemorrhagic mucosa  
* Hemorrhagic mucosa  
* Pseudopolyps  
* [[Pseudopolyps]]
|
|
* Diffuse mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in lamina propria
* Mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in lamina propria
* Crypt abscesses (neutrophils in glandular lumen) and cryptitis
* Crypt abscesses
* Granulation tissue and reepithelialization
* [[Granulation tissue]] extending into surrounding [[submucosa]] and smooth muscle fibers.
* Submucosal fibrosis  
* Submucosal fibrosis  
* Schwann cell proliferation
* Schwann cell proliferation

Revision as of 21:06, 13 December 2017

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Pathophysiology

Blood supply

Lower GI Tract Arterial Supply Venous Drainage
Midgut
Hindgut
  • Distal one-third of the transverse colon
  • Splenic flexure
  • Descending colon,
  • Sigmoid colon
  • Rectumhu
ɸ -Except lower rectum, which drains into the systemic circulation.
Blood supply to the intestines includes the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and branches of the internal iliac artery (IIA).
Source: By Anpol42 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding can be discussed based on the etiology. Diverticulosis is the most common etiology of lower GI bleeding accounting for 30% of all cases, followed by anorectal disease, ischemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), neoplasia and arteriovenous (AV) malformations.

  • Diverticulosis
    • The colonic wall weakens with age and results in the formation of sac-like protrusions known as diverticula.[4][5][6][7]
    • These protrusions generally occur at the junction of blood vessel penetrating through the mucosa and circular muscle fibers of the colon resulting in painless bleeding
    • Despite the majority of diverticula being on the left side of the colon, diverticular bleeding originates from the right side of the colon in 50% to 90% of instances.
Diagram of sigmoid diverticulum
Source:By Anpol42 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Anorectal disease
  • Hemorrhoids are engorged vessels in the normal anal cushions. When swollen, this tissue is very friable and susceptible to trauma, which leads to painless, bright red bleeding.[8][9][8]
  • Anal fissures are defined as a tear in the anal mucosa. With the passage of stool, the mucosa continues to tear and leads to bright red bleeding. [10]
  • Mesenteric ischemia results when there is inadequate blood supply at the level of the small intestine.[11][12][13][14]
  • 2 or more vessels (celiac, SMA, or IMA) must be involved for bleeding to occur.
  • Non occlusive mesenetric ischemia affects critically ill patients who are vasopressor-dependent.
  • Venous thrombosis of the visceral vessels can also precipitate an acute ischemic event.
  • Decreased blood flow leads to transmural infarction with necrosis and perforation.
  • Associated mucosal sloughing results in bleeding.
  • Neoplasia
  • Mutations of multiple genes are required for the formation of adenocarcinoma, including the APC gene, Kras, DCC, and p53.[29][30][31]
  • Certain hereditary syndromes are also classified by defects in DNA mismatch repair genes and microsatellite instability.
  • As tumor grows it invades the surrounding tissue disrupting the normal vasculature along with it
  • Therefore tumors tend to bleed slowly, and patients present with hemocult positive stools and microcytic anemia.
  • AV Malformation/Angiodysplasia

Gross and Microscopic Pathology

Disease Gross Pathology Microscopic Pathology
Diverticulosis[37]
  • Numerous visible flask like protrusions along the intestinal wall.
  • Thick and corrugated circular muscle fibers with mucosal folds.
Angiodysplasia[38]
  • Tortuous dilation of multiple small submucosal and mucosal blood vessels.
  • Clusters of numerous dilated and thin-walled vessels in mucosa and submucosa.
  • Erosion of surrounding mucosa.
Hemorrhoids[8]
  • Tortuous superficial dilations of multiple blood vessels.
  • Dilated, thick-walled, congested submucosal vessels
  • Papillary endothelial hyperplasia
  • Superficial ulcerations
  • Pagetoid dyskeratosis
Mesenteric ischemia [39]
  • Hemorrhagic infarctions
  • Hemorrhage in lamina propria
  • Necrosis of superficial epithelial
  • Deep crypts
  • Fibrosis
Ischemic colitis[39]
  • Discrete or serpiginous ulcerations
  • Pseudopolyps
  • Hemorrhagic infractions
  • Frank blood or dark mucus in lumen
  • Strictures
Crohn's disease[40][41] 
  • Superficial or deep ulcerations
  • Granulation tissue extending into surrounding submucosa and smooth muscle fibers.
  • Transmural inflammation with lymphoid aggregates
  • Goblet cells
  • Focal neutrophils in epithelium
  • Lymphoid aggregates
  • Plasmacytosis
  • Edematous mucosa and submucosa
Ulcerative colitis[42]
  • Mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in lamina propria
  • Crypt abscesses
  • Granulation tissue extending into surrounding submucosa and smooth muscle fibers.
  • Submucosal fibrosis
  • Schwann cell proliferation

References

  1. Geboes K, Geboes KP, Maleux G (2001). "Vascular anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract". Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 15 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1053/bega.2000.0152. PMID 11355897.
  2. Granger DN, Holm L, Kvietys P (2015). "The Gastrointestinal Circulation: Physiology and Pathophysiology". Compr Physiol. 5 (3): 1541–83. doi:10.1002/cphy.c150007. PMID 26140727.
  3. "The Gastrointestinal Circulation - NCBI Bookshelf".
  4. Hobson KG, Roberts PL (2004). "Etiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease". Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 17 (3): 147–53. doi:10.1055/s-2004-832695. PMC 2780060. PMID 20011269.
  5. Maykel JA, Opelka FG (2004). "Colonic diverticulosis and diverticular hemorrhage". Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 17 (3): 195–204. doi:10.1055/s-2004-832702. PMC 2780065. PMID 20011276.
  6. Comparato G, Pilotto A, Franzè A, Franceschi M, Di Mario F (2007). "Diverticular disease in the elderly". Dig Dis. 25 (2): 151–9. doi:10.1159/000099480. PMID 17468551.
  7. Matrana MR, Margolin DA (2009). "Epidemiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease". Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 22 (3): 141–6. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1236157. PMC 2780269. PMID 20676256.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Lohsiriwat V (2012). "Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management". World J. Gastroenterol. 18 (17): 2009–17. doi:10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009. PMC 3342598. PMID 22563187.
  9. Sanchez C, Chinn BT (2011). "Hemorrhoids". Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 24 (1): 5–13. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1272818. PMC 3140328. PMID 22379400.
  10. Holland RA, Rimes AF, Comis A, Tyndale-Biscoe CH (1988). "Oxygen carriage and carbonic anhydrase activity in the blood of a marsupial, the Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), during early development". Respir Physiol. 73 (1): 69–86. PMID 3140330.
  11. Krupski WC, Selzman CH, Whitehill TA (1997). "Unusual causes of mesenteric ischemia". Surg. Clin. North Am. 77 (2): 471–502. PMID 9146726.
  12. Walker TG (2009). "Mesenteric ischemia". Semin Intervent Radiol. 26 (3): 175–83. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1225662. PMC 3036494. PMID 21326562.
  13. Berland T, Oldenburg WA (2008). "Acute mesenteric ischemia". Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 10 (3): 341–6. PMID 18625147.
  14. Mastoraki A, Mastoraki S, Tziava E, Touloumi S, Krinos N, Danias N, Lazaris A, Arkadopoulos N (2016). "Mesenteric ischemia: Pathogenesis and challenging diagnostic and therapeutic modalities". World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 7 (1): 125–30. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.125. PMC 4753178. PMID 26909235.
  15. FitzGerald JF, Hernandez Iii LO (2015). "Ischemic colitis". Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 28 (2): 93–8. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1549099. PMC 4442720. PMID 26034405.
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