Inflammatory bowel disease

ALTHOUGH the causes of the common forms of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease remain unclear, considerable progress has been made in the identification of important pathophysiologic mechanisms since these disorders were last reviewed in the Journal.¹ Newer epidemiologic and clinical surveys have further clarified the clinical features, natural history, and complications of inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the work of clinical investigators in many centers has enlarged the therapeutic armamentarium used for these diseases. This review will highlight these recent developments and provide an overview of the current understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of inflammatory bowel disease. The. .