Extraintestinal manifestations of ulcerative colitis commonly involve which areas?

• A. Large joints and eyes
• B. Lungs
• C. Kidneys
• D. Skin

Answer: (A)

Extraintestinal manifestations in ulcerative colitis most often involve the musculoskeletal and ocular systems. The peripheral arthritis seen in UC typically affects large joints such as the knees and ankles and often rises and falls with the activity of the intestinal disease. Ocular inflammation, especially episcleritis (and sometimes uveitis), is another common manifestation and can run parallel to intestinal flares or occur independently, requiring ophthalmologic care when it arises. While skin findings like erythema nodosum or pyoderma gangrenosum and liver issues such as primary sclerosing cholangitis can occur, the combination of large joints and eyes represents the most frequently encountered extraintestinal involvement. Lung and kidney involvement are much less common in UC as compared with joints and eyes.