INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with arthritis since the late 20th century, but it was not until a few decades ago that IBD-associated arthritis was recognized as a distinct pathology independent from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is evidence that RA and other autoimmune conditions exist in higher rates in patients with IBD compared to the general population. This is an important distinction because of the different pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, management, complications, and prognosis of both diseases.