What is the definitive method of diagnosing Crohn disease? Barium enema Biopsy of the affected site Colonoscopy and stool sample Sigmoidoscopy 1 p
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The definitive method for diagnosing Crohn’s disease is colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the colon and ileum (the last part of the small intestine), where Crohn’s disease commonly manifests. This procedure enables doctors to inspect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract for characteristic signs of inflammation, ulcers, strictures, and fistulas, all of which are indicative of Crohn’s disease. Moreover, during the procedure, a biopsy can be performed, where small tissue samples from the affected areas are taken for microscopic examination. This helps confirm the diagnosis by identifying the typical granulomas, which are clusters of immune cells seen in Crohn’s disease.
While barium enema and sigmoidoscopy can be used to visualize parts of the colon, they are less sensitive and specific than colonoscopy in diagnosing Crohn’s disease, especially when it affects the ileum or areas beyond the reach of a sigmoidoscope. Stool samples are helpful in excluding infections, but they cannot definitively diagnose Crohn’s disease.
A biopsy from the affected site obtained through colonoscopy plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis, but the procedure itself remains the gold standard for direct visualization. Therefore, a combination of colonoscopy with biopsy provides the most accurate and comprehensive assessment for diagnosing Crohn’s disease.
