Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is primarily a disease of the digestive tract system, though it may affect other organ systems outside of the intestines. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) can occur in up to one third of patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The most common EIMs involve dermatologic and musculoskeletal manifestations. EIMs may either parallel intestinal inflammation or be completely independent of disease activity. Physicians should be aware of EIMs and think systematically when evaluating patients with IBD, as nearly every organ can be involved, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach should be undertaken to improve outcomes and quality of life.