Granulomatous Colitis

Granulomatous colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. In mild forms, granulomatous colitis causes small scattered shallow crater-like areas (erosions) called aphthous ulcers in the inner surface of the bowel. In more serious cases, deeper and larger ulcers can develop, causing scarring and stiffness and possibly narrowing of the bowel, sometimes leading to obstruction. Deep ulcers can puncture holes in the bowel wall, leading to infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and in adjacent organs.

For this condition to be severe enough to meet the Social Security Administration's listing the claimant must have:

• recurrent bloody stools documented on repeated examinations and anemia; OR
• Persistent arthritis, iritis, fever, or liver dysfunction, not attributable to other causes; OR
• Intermittent obstruction due to abscesses, fistula formation or narrowing of the intestine that does not respond to treatment; OR
• Recurrence of 1, 2, & 3 above after total colectomy; OR
• Significant weight loss.

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