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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2006; 12(30): 4819-4831
Published online Aug 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i30.4819
Extraintestinal manifestations and complications in inflammatory bowel diseases
Katja S Rothfuss, Eduard F Stange, Klaus R Herrlinger
Katja S Rothfuss, Eduard F Stange, Klaus R Herrlinger, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Katja S Rothfuss, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Auerbachstrasse 110, D-70376 Stuttgart, Germany. katja.rothfuss@gmx.de
Telephone: +49-711-81013406 Fax: +49-711-81013793
Received: May 18, 2006
Revised: June 1, 2006
Accepted: June 20, 2006
Published online: August 14, 2006
Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that often involve organs other than those of the gastrointestinal tract. These nonintestinal affections are termed extraintestinal symptoms. Differentiating the true extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases from secondary extraintestinal complications, caused by malnutrition, chronic inflammation or side effects of therapy, may be difficult. This review concentrates on frequency, clinical presentation and therapeutic implications of extraintestinal symptoms in inflammatory bowel diseases. If possible, extraintestinal manifestations are differentiated from extraintestinal complications. Special attention is given to the more recently described sites of involvement; i.e. thromboembolic events, osteoporosis, pulmonary involvement and affection of the central nervous system.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel diseases; Crohn’s disease; Ulcerative colitis; Extraintestinal manifestations; Complications; Therapy