Crypt abscess is neutrophils within intestinal crypts; commonly seen in which disease?

• A. Neutrophils within intestinal crypts; commonly seen in inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• B. Lymphocytes within the lamina propria
• C. Villus atrophy
• D. Granulomas in the mucosa

Answer: (A)

Crypt abscesses arise when neutrophils invade the crypt epithelium and accumulate within the crypt lumens, signaling acute mucosal inflammation. This pattern is a classic histologic feature of inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation is mucosal and continuous, with neutrophilic cryptitis and crypt abscess formation reflecting active disease. While Crohn’s disease can involve neutrophils and other inflammatory changes, it more characteristically shows granulomas and transmural involvement rather than isolated crypt abscesses. Thus, the finding is most commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis.