Considerable thickening of the intestinal wall (ascending colon) in a patient with Crohn's disease, in this picture the muscularis (low-echo) is considerably thickened. Hyperperfusion (power doppler) as a sign of high disease activity.
The development of Crohn's disease is not yet fully understood (in 2008). In the literature several mechanisms for the development are discussed and are being investigated.Generally, an accumulation of cases in one family can be observed, so a genetic disposition can be assumed.Additionally, an autoimmune etiology is being discussed. In some patients, antibodies against RNA of colon epithelial cells can be shown. A good response to steroid treatment and fasting (avoidance of food allergens) speak in favour of an immunologic process.Certain diets (e.g. many sweets), cigarette smoke and oral contraceptives (brith control pill) seem to be risk factors for the disease.There are no hints for infections with rotavirus, mycobacteria or strains of pseudomonas being the cause of inflammation.Psychosomatic factors are also discussed; there was an attempt to link Crohn's disease to psychiatric diseases (such as depression).Source: Ultraschall im Netz
