Clinical Medicine III (CM3) – IBD Q&A (20+ Questions) | 2025 | Crohn’s vs. Ulcerative Colitis, Pathology & Diagnosis

This focused and exam-ready document offers 20+ accurate and updated Q&A on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically comparing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, aligned with the Clinical Medicine III (CM3) curriculum. It clearly contrasts the two diseases across anatomical involvement, histological depth, clinical complications, and diagnostic findings. Key concepts include transmural vs. superficial inflammation, skip vs. continuous lesions, presence of cobblestoning, string sign, creeping fat, fistulae, and intestinal strictures. It also highlights vitamin B12 malabsorption in Crohn’s, risks of bowel obstruction, and hemorrhage in UC. The document explains underlying causes of IBD, including immune dysregulation, gut flora over-response, and environmental factors like tobacco use. Ideal for medical students, nursing students, physician associate programs, and other healthcare learners preparing for GI system exams, differential diagnosis practice, and clinical case discussions. Keywords: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, transmural inflammation, superficial inflammation, skip lesions, continuous lesions, cobblestoning, string sign, fistula, bowel stricture, vitamin B12 malabsorption, ileocecal disease, rectal inflammation, adenocarcinoma risk, IBD pathology