What are the histological features of Crohn's disease?

In the context of Crohn's disease, the histological features that are characteristic include transmural inflammation and the presence of granulomas.

Transmural inflammation refers to the inflammation that affects all layers of the bowel wall, as opposed to just the mucosal layer. This is a distinctive feature of Crohn's disease and is significant because it can lead to complications such as strictures, fistulas, and abscess formation due to the full-thickness involvement of the intestinal wall.

Granulomas, which are organized clusters of macrophages that form in response to chronic inflammation, are another hallmark of Crohn's disease. These granulomas are typically non-caseating, meaning they do not have the necrotic center seen in caseating granulomas associated with conditions like tuberculosis. The presence of granulomas helps to distinguish Crohn's disease from other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, which does not typically feature granulomas.

Together, the characteristics of transmural inflammation and the presence of non-caseating granulomas are crucial for diagnosing Crohn's disease histologically and understanding its pathophysiology. This understanding supports the management of the disease, including interventions aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing complications.