Which condition is also known as regional enteritis?

Regional enteritis refers to Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, although it most commonly impacts the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and can lead to complications such as strictures, fistulas, and abscesses. The term "regional enteritis" highlights how the inflammation is localized (or regional) to specific areas of the intestine rather than being widespread throughout the colon.

Crohn's disease is characterized by its ability to cause inflammation in distinct segments of the bowel, with healthy tissues interspersed between these inflamed areas, which is a key feature distinguishing it from other inflammatory bowel diseases. This condition presents not only gastrointestinal symptoms but can also exhibit systemic effects, contributing to its complexity in diagnosis and management.