Cryptitis: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
[[File:Gray1080.png|thumb|The interior of the anal cami and lower part of the rectum, showing the anal columns and the anal valves between their lower ends (columns in image numerous than typical).]] | |||
[[File:Gray1078.png|thumb|Coronal section of rectum and the anal canal.]] | |||
[[File:Rectum anatomy en.png|thumb|Anatomy of the anus and rectum.]] | [[File:Rectum anatomy en.png|thumb|Anatomy of the anus and rectum.]] | ||
*Cryptitis is associated with repetitive sphincter trauma from spasm, recurrent [[diarrhea]], or passage of large/hard stools. | *Cryptitis is associated with repetitive sphincter trauma from spasm, recurrent [[diarrhea]], or passage of large/hard stools. | ||
===Pathophysiology=== | |||
***Formed by the puckering action of the sphincter muscles | *Anal crypts are mucosal pockets that lie between the columns of Morgagni (i.e., anal columns) | ||
**Anal columns are a number of vertical folds, produced by an infolding of the mucous membrane and some of the muscular tissue in the upper half of the lumen of the anal canal. | |||
**Formed by the puckering action of the sphincter muscles | |||
*Superficial trauma ([[diarrhea]], trauma from hard stool) → breakdown in mucosal lining | |||
**Bacteria enter, inflammation extends into lymphoid tissue of the crypts / anal glands | |||
***Can lead to [[anal fissure]], [[anal fistula]], [[perirectal abscesses]] | |||
==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
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==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
*Outpatient | |||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
*[[Anorectal Disorders]] | *[[Anorectal Disorders]] | ||
==External Links== | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:GI]] | [[Category:GI]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:41, 23 April 2025
Background
- Cryptitis is associated with repetitive sphincter trauma from spasm, recurrent diarrhea, or passage of large/hard stools.
Pathophysiology
- Anal crypts are mucosal pockets that lie between the columns of Morgagni (i.e., anal columns)
- Anal columns are a number of vertical folds, produced by an infolding of the mucous membrane and some of the muscular tissue in the upper half of the lumen of the anal canal.
- Formed by the puckering action of the sphincter muscles
- Superficial trauma (diarrhea, trauma from hard stool) → breakdown in mucosal lining
- Bacteria enter, inflammation extends into lymphoid tissue of the crypts / anal glands
- Can lead to anal fissure, anal fistula, perirectal abscesses
- Bacteria enter, inflammation extends into lymphoid tissue of the crypts / anal glands
Clinical Features
- Anal pain
- Sphincter spasm
- Itching with or without bleeding
- Hypertrophied papillae
Differential Diagnosis
Anorectal Disorders
- Anal fissure
- Anal fistula
- Anal malignancy
- Anal tags
- Anorectal abscess
- Coccydynia
- Colorectal malignancy
- Condyloma acuminata
- Constipation
- Crohn's disease
- Cryptitis
- GC/Chlamydia
- Fecal impaction
- Hemorrhoids
- Levator ani syndrome
- Pedunculated polyp
- Pilonidal cyst
- Proctalgia fugax
- Proctitis
- Pruritus ani
- Enterobius (pinworms)
- Rectal foreign body
- Rectal prolapse
- Syphilitic fissure
Non-GI Look-a-Likes
Evaluation
- Anoscopy shows inflammation, erythema, and pus
Management
- Bulk laxatives, additional roughage, sitz baths (treats underlying cause)
- Surgical referral is indicated when:
- Infection has progressed and the crypt will not drain adequately on its own
- Surgical treatment is excision
Disposition
- Outpatient
See Also