Radiographic appearances and course of discrete mucosal ulcers in Crohn's disease of the colon

Although the radiographic manifestations of Crohn's disease of the colon have been extensively reviewed, few reports specifically illustrate the evolution of discrete mucosal ulcers in this disease. There is, moreover, some controversy concerning the nature and significance of small or so-called aphthous ulcers in the pathogenesis of Crohn's colitis. In this study, results from sequential primary double-contrast barium enemas performed over a 5-year period in 21 patients with proven Crohn's colitis were reviewed. A localized segment of colon showing discrete mucosal ulcers was selected for analysis and comparison in serial examinations. The radiographic appearances and course of these discrete mucosal ulcers are described and illustrated.