Extraintestinal Manifestations of Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists predominantly of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), which are clinically distinguished by intestinal localization, local features of inflammation, a profile of complications, and familial aggregation. UC is characterized by recurring episodes of continuous inflammation limited to the mucosal layer of the colon and rectum, and approximately 42% of UC patients have extraintestinal complications (Ozdil et al., 2004). This chapter highlights key features of each involved organ system including association, diagnosis, and treatment options.