ileitis

Ileitis: An Overview

Ileitis refers to inflammation of one or more sections of the intestine, specifically the ileum, which is the farthest segment of the small intestine [2]. This condition can manifest in various ways and may be caused by different factors.

Symptoms of Ileitis

People with ileitis often experience symptoms similar to those of Crohn's disease, such as:

• Right lower quadrant pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Evidence of peritoneal inflammation [1]

In addition, inflammation in the small intestine can lead to cramps and diarrhea after meals [3].

Types of Ileitis

There are different types of ileitis, including:

• Crohn's disease: Inflammation of the ileum due to Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease [4].
• Terminal ileitis: Inflammation of the terminal ileum, which is the portion of the small intestine that is evaluated during endoscopy [8].

Causes and Complications

Some cases of terminal ileitis are caused by mycobacteria [5]. Ileitis can also lead to complications such as:

• Small bowel obstruction (SBO)
• Perforation of the intestine
• Abscesses or fistulas

It is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

References

[1] S DiLauro · 2010 - Clinically, it manifests as right lower quadrant pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and/or evidence of peritoneal inflammation.

[2] Ileitis, chronic inflammation of one or more sections of the intestine. In its strict sense, the term refers to an inflammation of the lower, or terminal, ...

[3] People with ileitis can have typical Crohn's disease symptoms, but inflammation in the small intestine generally leads to cramps and diarrhea after meals as ...

[4] Ileitis, Crohn: Inflammation of the ileum (the farthest segment of the small intestine) due to Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory ...

[5] inflammation of the ileum (= small intestine): Some cases of terminal ileitis are caused by mycobacteria.

[8] by S Sevim — Terminal ileitis (TI) is defined as an inflammation of the terminal ileum, which is the portion of the small intestine that is evaluated during ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ileitis

Ileitis, also known as terminal ileitis, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the ileum, the last part of the small intestine. The symptoms of ileitis can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Abdominal pain: Pain in the lower right abdomen is a common symptom of ileitis [1].
• Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal cramps and pain [2].
• Malabsorption: Ileitis can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in weight loss and fatigue [5].
• Blood in stool: Some people with ileitis may experience blood in their stool, which can be a sign of inflammation or ulceration in the intestines [6].
• Abdominal cramping: Cramping in the lower abdomen is another common symptom of ileitis [3].
• Fever and fatigue: Many people with ileitis experience fever and fatigue as their body tries to fight off the infection [7].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced by people with other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and/or abdominal pain. Patients may also have GI bleeding, bowel perforation, or obstruction from ileocecal [context 1]

[2] Symptoms typically include cramps, diarrhea, and pain in your lower right abdomen. Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract [context 2]

[3] Terminal Ileitis Symptoms ... It's important to keep in mind that symptoms like cramping and diarrhea can happen for a variety of reasons. However [context 3]

[4] The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, primarily on the lower right side, and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include: Anemia, caused [context 4]

[5] Crohn's ileitis is inflammation in the ileum, part of the small intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption [context 5]

[6] Abdominal pain and cramping · Bloody stool · Decreased appetite · Delayed growth or sexual maturation (in children) · Diarrhea · Fever · Fatigue · Inflammation ( [context 6]

[7] And these can include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in your stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite and weight loss. If your Crohn's [context 7]

Diagnostic Tests for Ileitis

Ileitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, blood tests, stool tests, and imaging procedures.

• Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) is commonly used to test for Crohn's and colitis. It collects information about the types and numbers of cells in your blood [5].
• Stool Tests: Stool samples may be used to test for blood or organisms, such as infection-causing bacteria or parasites in the stool [3]. This can help identify any underlying infections that may be contributing to ileitis.
• Imaging Procedures: Imaging tests, such as endoscopy, CT scans, and barium x-rays, can help visualize the inside of your digestive tract and identify any inflammation or damage [4].
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your rectum to examine the inside of your colon. This can help identify any inflammation or ulcers in the ileum [2].
• Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy (a small tissue sample) may be taken from the terminal ileum during a colonoscopy and ileoscopy to be sent back for further examination [2].

These diagnostic tests can help doctors determine the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. It's essential to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.

References: [1] NYU Langone doctors use blood, stool, and imaging tests, as well as endoscopic procedures, to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. [2] Apr 10, 2024 — In some cases, your doctor may take a biopsy (a small tissue sample) of the terminal ileum during the colonoscopy and ileoscopy to be sent back ... [3] Oct 29, 2024 — Stool studies.​​ A stool sample may be used to test for blood or organisms, such as infection-causing bacteria or, rarely, parasites in the stool ... [4] Procedures range from simple blood tests to barium x-rays and colonoscopy, which require preparation the day before the tests. [5] The complete blood count (CBC) is commonly used by HCPs when testing for Crohn's and colitis. It collects information about the types and numbers of cells in ...

Treatment Options for Ileitis

Ileitis, also known as terminal ileitis, can be treated with various medications depending on its underlying cause and severity. Here are some common treatment options:

• Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): These medications, such as mesalamine, may be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of Crohn's disease, which is a common cause of ileitis [7]. They work by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs like sulfasalazine and steroids can be used to treat acute flare-ups of ileitis [3]. However, long-term use of corticosteroids can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
• 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) medications: These medications, such as mesalamine in microgranular formulation, seem to be equally effective as a standard dosage of steroids in treating mild to moderate ileitis [1][5]. They are often prescribed for people with ulcerative colitis.
• Biologics and antibiotics: Treatment may involve the use of biologics or antibiotics if the ileitis is caused by an infection or other underlying condition [8].

It's essential to consult a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case of ileitis. They will assess your symptoms, medical history, and test results to recommend the most suitable medication.

References:

[1] C Prantera · 1999 · Cited by 148 [3] Corticosteroids for IBD [5] by C Prantera · 1999 · Cited by 148 [7] Mar 10, 2023 [8] by F Mir · 2016 · Cited by 2

The differential diagnosis for ileitis, also known as terminal ileitis, is quite extensive and includes various conditions that can cause inflammation in the terminal part of the small intestine.

Possible Causes

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1]
• Crohn's disease (CD), which is often associated with terminal ileitis but not always representative of underlying CD [4]
• Lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system [3]
• Leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the smooth muscle in the small intestine [3]
• Malignancy, or cancer, which can cause terminal ileitis [6]
• Other conditions such as:
  • Reflux of colonic contents [2]
  • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [8]
  • Tuberculosis and other bacterial/parasitic infections [8]
  • Neoplasia, or the formation of abnormal tissue [8]
  • Radiation or other autoimmune disorders [8]

Other Considerations

• The differential diagnosis for ileitis can vary depending on whether the chronic ileitis is accompanied by activity [5].
• Terminal ileitis has a broad differential and is not always representative of underlying CD [4].

It's worth noting that the severity of ileal involvement can also be an important factor in determining the differential diagnosis. For example, Crohn's disease usually involves longer segments than terminal ileitis.

References: [1] Jan 26, 2024 — The differential diagnosis for a terminal ileitis is quite extensive, and includes: inflammatory bowel disease. [2] by S DiLauro · 2010 · Cited by 182 — Ileitis is caused by reflux of colonic contents, and when present, may raise the differential diagnosis of CD. In general, the severity of ileal ... [3] by D Bojic · 2011 · Cited by 65 — The main differential diagnoses for these appearances are CD, lymphoma, and leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel. CD usually involves longer segments than ... [4] by NE Mitchell · 2021 — Terminal ileitis has a broad differential diagnosis and is not always representative of underlying CD. Alternate causes of terminal ileitis include lymphoma ... [5] by A Moradi · 2022 — First of all, we have to specify whether (or not) the chronic ileitis is accompanied by the activity. Based on this, the relevant differential diagnosis should. [6] Background While terminal ileitis is most often associated with Crohn's disease, it has a broad differential, including malignancy. Case Presentation We report ... [7] Apr 10, 2024 — While terminal ileitis is often associated with Crohn's disease, it can be caused by various other conditions of the gastrointestinal system. An ... [8] by F Mir · 2016 · Cited by 2 — Other common causes of ITI include NSAID use, tuberculosis and other bacterial/parasitic infections, neoplasia, radiation or other autoimmune disorders. [9] ... symptoms or signs. Differential Diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of pouchitis includes ischemia, infection, and recurrent Crohn's disease.287 The ...