This autoimmune disease involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the terminal ileum. What is its common name?

Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but it most commonly involves the terminal ileum, which is the last segment of the small intestine before it connects to the large intestine. This autoimmune condition leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition due to the impaired absorption of nutrients.

The inflammation in Crohn's disease can penetrate deeper into the bowel wall, causing complications such as strictures or fistulas. The chronic inflammation also alters the normal protective lining of the intestines, leading to further symptoms and complications over time.

Understanding the specificity of Crohn's disease regarding its location and nature helps differentiate it from similar gastrointestinal conditions. For example, ulcerative colitis primarily affects the innermost layer of the colon and rectum and does not typically involve the terminal ileum. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that affects the small intestine's surface but does not cause the same kind of inflammation as Crohn's. Diverticulitis is an inflammation of diverticula in the colon, which is also distinct from Crohn's disease. Thus, the defining characteristics of the inflammation and site of involvement make Crohn's disease the correct answer in this case.