Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary
Published: May 28, 2019
Anti-OmpC (outer membrane protein C):
the antibody to a specific protein on the outer membrane, recently identified as a significant biomarker. New data shows that anti-OmpC levels are high among members of families that have a history of both Crohn’s and colitis.
ASCA (anti-saccharomyces cerevesiae):
a serology test useful in distinguishing Crohn’s disease from ulcerative colitis and predicting disease course.
Biomarkers:
proteins in the body that may be measured by laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis and management of disease.
Biopsy:
a tissue sample provided to a pathologist to help diagnose and classify disease.
Calprotectin:
a stool test for intestinal inflammation that aids in predicting active disease.
CBC (complete blood count):
a laboratory blood test that helps to detect anemia, infection, and inflammation.
CBiR1 (Anti-Flagellin):
this antibody may be a marker of Crohn’s disease complicated by fistulas, perforations, or other serious problems.
CRP (C-reactive protein):
a laboratory test that indicates non-specific inflammation in the body.
CT (computed tomography):
an imaging test that uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures with the body.
CTE (computed tomography enterography):
a variation of the CT scan where the patient swallows special contrast agents to give a sharp outline of the intestines in the X-rays.
DEXA (bone densitometry scan):
an X-ray that assesses the thickness of bones and risk for osteoporosis (thin bones) and fractures.
EIM (extraintestinal manifestations of IBD):
signs and symptoms outside of the gastrointestinal tract associated with IBD.
Electrolytes:
laboratory test panel including serum sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide that may indicate dehydration and other complications or medication side effects.
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangeopancreatography):
a type of endoscopy that utilizes X-ray to diagnose a liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
Epidemiology:
Incidence and geographic distribution of disease and the related factors.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate):
a laboratory blood test for non-specific inflammation.
Granuloma:
a collection of cells in the intestinal lining, visible under the microscope, that indicate the body’s attempt to get rid of a foreign material; sometimes seen in Crohn’s disease, but not always present.
Gut:
the intestine or bowel.
Health economics:
Efficiency, effectiveness, value and behavior in the production and consumption of health and healthcare.
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit:
Measurements of red blood cell number and volume, found in the CBC, useful in determining anemia.
Immune response:
Increase in and activation of immune cells and release of pro-inflammatory molecules in the blood circulation and in the intestinal lumen
Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis:
Normal state of the intestinal lining
Lactoferrin:
a stool test for intestinal inflammation that aids in predicting active IBD.
MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography):
a type of MRI that allows the physician to see images of the bile ducts, which are similar to ERCP images.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):
an imaging test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures within the body.
Mucosal lining:
the inner lining of the small intestine.
p-ANCA (perinulclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies):
a serology test that may aid in diagnosing ulcerative colitis, distinguishing it from Crohn’s disease, and predicting disease course.
Pathophysiology:
abnormal physiological events.
PPD: (purified protein derivative):
tuberculosis (TB) skin test, advised for all patients taking biologic therapies, to assess the presence of latent and active TB disease.
Radiographic:
Relating to the process that depends on X-rays.
SBFT/SBS:
(small bowel follow-through/small bowel series): an imaging test that evaluates the small intestine, involving swallowing barium, after which serial x-rays are taken.
Small bowel enteroclysis:
an imaging test that evaluates the small intestine by infusing barium and air through a tube inserted into the small intestine via the nose.
Serology:
a blood test to identify antibodies (proteins) which may have developed in response to an infection, other foreign proteins, or to one’s own proteins.
Septic complications:
Toxic infections.
Signature(s) of disease:
Measurable parameters that provide evidence of the person's disease activity.
Signature(s) of environmental exposure:
Measurable parameters that provide evidence of the person's exposure to a specific environmental factor.
Toxic megacolon:
an acute condition where the colon is dilated or enlarged, a complication associated with ulcerative colitis.
TPMT:
(thiopurine methyl transferase): a laboratory blood test for the activity of an enzyme that helps in breaking down the medications azathioprine and 6MP, which helps to establish proper dosing of these medications.
US (ultrasound):
n imaging test in which high-frequency sound waves, not heard by the human ear, are transmitted through body tissues using a transducer, relaying information to a computer for display.
Virtual colonoscopy:
a less invasive, new version of colonoscopy, done without sedation and using X-rays and computer-based, virtual-reality technology to produce 3-D images of the lining of the colon. Virtual colonoscopy is not currently used to diagnose or monitor IBD.
Wound repair:
Healing of the intestinal ulcers and post-operative recovery