What are the primary symptoms that led to the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in this case? What are the typical endoscopic findings in a patient with ulcerative colitis?

Please review the following case study by clicking on teach of the tabs below. Read all of the information carefully. After reviewing this patient’s information, write a 5-page paper that answers all of the questions listed below.
Patient Information:
Name: Anna
Age: 25 years old
Gender: Female
Chief Complaint:

Persistent bloody diarrhea for the past 3 weeks
Abdominal pain and cramping, particularly in the lower abdomen
Weight loss of 5 kg over the past month
Fatigue and malaise
Medical History:
No significant past medical history
No known allergies
Family history of inflammatory bowel disease (mother diagnosed with Crohn’s disease)
Physical Examination:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, temperature 37.2°C
Abdominal examination: Tenderness in the lower left quadrant, mild distension, no palpable masses

Diagnostic Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC): Mild anemia, elevated white blood cell count
C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated, indicating inflammation.
Stool sample: Negative for infectious pathogens
Colonoscopy: Edema, ulceration, and erythema of the colonic mucosa, starting from the rectum and extending proximally
Biopsy: Chronic inflammation with crypt abscesses consistent with ulcerative colitis
Diagnosis:
Acute ulcerative colitis
Treatment Plan:
Medications:
Dietary Modifications:

Follow-up:
Discussion: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa. The disease typically begins in the rectum and can extend proximally. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical presentation, endoscopy, and histological findings.

Questions:
What are the primary symptoms that led to the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in this case?
What are the typical endoscopic findings in a patient with ulcerative colitis?
Why is it important to rule out infectious causes when diagnosing ulcerative colitis?
What are the common complications associated with ulcerative colitis if left untreated?
Discuss the role of corticosteroids in the management of acute ulcerative colitis.

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