par De Reuck, Marc
Référence Acta endoscopica, 21, 2, page (275-282)
Publication Publié, 1991
Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : Differential diagnosis between inflammation and infectious processes is often difficult at the onset of a diarrheal syndrom. In addition of the possible etiopathogenic role of some infectious agents in IBD, superinfection may lead to misdiagnosis in case of active IBD. Several clinical, biological and morphological features are available and may be strongly helpful for the differential diagnosis. The intraluminal content and the lesions limited to the mucosa should be distinguished by laboratory methods, endoscopy with histological support and/or radiological barium study. When fistulae or abscesses are suspected, sonography represents the best imaging modality for the initial investigation, although computed tomography remains the most accurate procedure with a 95% sensitivity. Clinical signs as well as biological, radiological or nuclear techniques should be of great interest in case of systemic infectious or inflammatory complications.