Crypt abscess

The pattern of inflammation in UC is continuous and confluent throughout the affected areas of the GI tract. The inflammation is also superficial and does not typically extend below the submucosal layer of the GI tract (Fig. 16-2). Ulceration or erosion of the GI mucosa may be present and varies with disease severity. The formation of crypt abscesses within the mucosal layers of the GI tract is characteristic of UC and may help to distinguish it from CD. Severe inflammation may also result in areas of hypertrophied GI mucosa, which may manifest as pseudopolyps within the colon.12 The inflammatory response may progress in severity, leading to mucosal friability and significant GI bleeding. 

Crypt abscess Neutrophilic infiltration of the intestinal glands (crypts of Lieberkuhn) a characteristic finding in patients with ulcerative colitis. 

Ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon and rectum and affects primarily the mucosa and the submucosa. The primary lesion occurs in the crypts of the mucosa (crypts of Lieberkiihn) in the form of a crypt abscess. 

S. Nash, C. Parkoa, A. Nureat, C. Drip, and I. L. Madam In vibo model of intestinal crypt abscess, a novel neutrophil-derived seerctagogue activity. J. CUn. Invest. <57 1474 (1991). 

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