Crohn's Disease may affect which range within the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. It affects only the colon
• B. It affects only the ileum
• C. It affects only the stomach
• D. It may affect anywhere from the mouth to the rectum

Answer: (D)

Crohn disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the rectum. The inflammation is often patchy and transmural, meaning it can affect multiple layers of the bowel wall and appear in different segments along the tract. Because of this, it may involve areas as diverse as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine (most commonly the terminal ileum), colon, and even perianal regions. This broad potential distribution makes the description that it may affect anywhere from the mouth to the rectum the best answer. It is not limited to just the colon, ileum, or stomach.