🍪
'Tis the season sale SAVE 30% now
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
USMLE Step 1
/
Pathology
/
Intestinal Disorders

Ace Your Pathology Classes and Exams with Picmonic: #1 Visual Mnemonic Study Tool for Medicine (MD/DO) Students

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing. Whether you're studying for your classes or getting ready for a big exam, we're here to help.

get premium

Pathology | Medicine (MD/DO) School Study Aid

Intestinal Disorders
49 Picmonics to Learn | 1 hr 38 mins
Crohn's Disease Assessment
Diarrhea
5-6 per day
Cramping Abdominal Pain
Fever
Weight Loss
Malabsorption
Anemia
Complications
Obstruction
Fistulas
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Crohn's Disease Characteristics
Terminal Ileum and Colon
Rectal Sparing
Transmural Inflammation
Granulomas
Skip Lesions
Cobblestone Mucosa
Fissures
Fistulas
Perianal Disease
Creeping Fat
Lymphoid Aggregates
String Sign on Barium Swallow
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Crohn's Symptoms and Associations
Diarrhea
Malabsorption
Bile-Wasting
Pigment Gallstones
Oxalate Kidney Stones
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Erythema Nodosum
Uveitis
Migratory Polyarthritis
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Ulcerative Colitis Characteristics
Autoimmune
Mucosal and Submucosal Only
Rectal Involvement
Stepwise Lesions
Friable Pseudopolyp
Crypt Abscess
Loss of Haustra
Lead Pipe Appearance
Bloody Diarrhea
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Ulcerative Colitis Associations
Associations
Toxic Megacolon
Colorectal Carcinoma
Anterior Uveitis
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
P-ANCA
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
HLA-B27 Associations
Associations
PAIR Acronym
Psoriatic Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Reactive Arthritis
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Assessment
Diverticulosis
Outpouching
Diverticulitis
Inflamed Diverticula
Assessment
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Distention
Flatulence
Fever
Rectal Bleeding
Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea
Considerations
Peritonitis
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Interventions
Interventions
High Fiber Diet
Reduce Intra-abdominal Pressure
Stool Softeners
Exercise
Anticholinergics
Considerations
Antibiotics
Bowel Resection
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Appendicitis
Mechanism and Characteristics
Fecalith leading to obstruction and infection
Most commonly affects teenagers
Presentation
Initial peri-umbilical visceral pain
Subsequent somatic right lower quadrant pain
Diagnosis
Rebound tenderness
Positive psoas sign
Pain at McBurney's point
Leukocytosis
Fever
Treatment
Appendectomy
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Acute Appendicitis Treatment
Diagnosis
CT Scan
Treatment
Immediate Appendectomy
NPO
IV Fluids
Antibiotics
Perforation
Tertiary Intention
Antibiotics Until Afebrile
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Peptic Ulcer Disease Assessment
Mechanism/Cause
Helicobacter Pylori
NSAIDs
Increased Stomach Acid
Assessment
Abdominal Pain
Heartburn (Pyrosis)
Melena
Weight Changes
GI Distress
Considerations
Most Commonly in Duodenum
Duodenal: Pain Relieved by Eating
Gastric: Pain Caused by Eating
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Peptic Ulcer Disease Interventions
Combination Drug Therapy
Two Antibiotics
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
Decrease Acid Secretion
Avoid NSAIDs
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Hemochromatosis Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Hemosiderin Deposition
Autosomal Recessive
HLA-A3
Secondary to Transfusion Therapy
Increase Iron
Increase Ferritin
Increased Transferrin Saturation
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Hemochromatosis Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
Micronodular Cirrhosis
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Diabetes
Bronze Skin Coloring
CHF
Arthropathy
Testicular Atrophy
Impotence
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Wilson's Disease Pathophysiology
Autosomal Recessive
Mutation in ATP7B gene
Chromosome 13
Decrease in Ceruloplasmin
Inadequate copper excretion
Liver
Brain
Kidney
Cornea
Joints
Treat with Penicillamine
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Wilson's Disease Symptoms
Cirrhosis
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Basal Ganglia Degeneration
Dementia
Dyskinesia
Asterixis
Kayser-Fleischer Rings
Slit Lamp Exam
Hemolytic Anemia
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Carcinoid Syndrome
Pathophysiology
Neuroendocrine Cells
Serotonin
Appendix
Diagnosis
Chromogranin A
Neuron Specific Enolase
Dense Core Bodies on EM
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms When Metastasize to Liver
Flushing
Wheezing
Right Heart Murmur
Diarrhea
picmonic thumbnail
4 mins
Colorectal Cancer Assessment
3rd Most Common Cancer
Assessment
Change in Bowel Habits
Bowel Obstruction
Rectal Bleeding
Anemia
Weight Loss
Ascites
Considerations
Colonoscopy
FOBT and FIT
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Colorectal Cancer Interventions
Interventions
Surgical Colon Resection
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Considerations
Bowel Cleansing
Screening
Colostomy
Dietary Consult
Body Image
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins
Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer)
Characteristics
Autosomal Dominant
Defective DNA Mismatch Repair
80% Risk of Colon Cancer Development
Proximal (Right) Colon
Type II associated with Endometrial, Ovarian and Skin Cancers
3-2-1 Rule
3 Relatives with Colon Cancer
Occurs Across 2 Generations
1 Relative Diagnosed < 50 Years Old
Treatment
Frequent Screening
Colectomy
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins
Intestinal Obstruction
Partial/Early Obstruction
Severe Abdominal Pain
Vomiting
High Pitched Bowel Sounds
Abdominal Distention
Increased Peristalsis
Total/Neurogenic Obstruction
Absent Bowel Sounds
Paralytic Ileus
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Types of Intestinal Obstruction
Mechanical
Adhesions
Hernia
Volvulus
Intussusception
Tumor
Non-Mechanical
Mesenteric Artery Occlusion
Spinal Injury
Paralytic Ileus
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Meckel's Diverticulum
Pathophysiology
True Diverticulum
Vitelline Duct
Yolk Stalk
Contain Ectopic Tissue
Pancreatic And Gastric Mucosa
Signs and Symptoms
Hemorrhage
Intussusceptions
Volvulus
Diagnosis
2 Feet From Ileocecal Valve
2 Inches Long
2% Population
First 2 Years Of Life
Pertechnetate T99
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Hirschsprung Disease
Failure of Neural Crest Cell Migration
Involves Rectum
Lack of Auerbach and Meissner Plexus
Chronic Constipation
Failure to Pass Meconium
Congenital Megacolon
Increased Risk with Down Syndrome
RET Mutations
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Intussusception
Pathophysiology
Telescoping of Bowel Segments
Lead Point
Assessment
Episodic Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea
Sausage-Shaped Mass
Red Currant Jelly Stools
Diagnosis
Ultrasound/CT
Target Sign
Considerations
More Common in Children
Rotavirus Vaccine Contraindicated
Management
Air or Hydrostatic Enema
Surgical Reduction
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins
Imperforate Anus
Mechanism
Congenital Anorectal Malformation
Signs and Symptoms
No Anal Opening
Absence of Meconium
Gradual Increase in Abdominal Distention
Considerations
Surgical Repair
Bowel Management
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Whipple's Disease
Tropheryma Whipplei
Gram-Positive
Middle-aged, Caucasian men and Farmers
Malabsorption
Mesenteric Nodes
Arthralgias
Cardiac Symptoms
Neurologic Symptoms
PAS-positive Foamy Macrophages
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Celiac Disease Characteristics
Epidemiology
European Descent
HLA-DQ2
HLA-DQ8
Pathophysiology
Autoimmune-mediated Intolerance of Gliadin
Symptoms
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Weight Loss
Failure to Thrive
Decreased Bone Density
Steatorrhea
Anemia
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Celiac Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Blunting of Intestinal Villi
Lymphocytes in Lamina Propria
Anti-gliadin Antibodies (IgA)
Anti-endomysial Antibodies (IgA)
Anti-tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (IgA)
Treatment
Gluten-Free Diet
Corticosteroids
Dapsone
Complications
Intestinal Lymphoma
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Fistula Causes
FRIEND Mnemonic
Foreign Body
Radiation
Inflammation or Infection
Epithelialization
Neoplasm
Distal Obstruction
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Mesenteric Ischemia
Signs and Symptoms
Severe Abdominal Pain
Bloody Diarrhea
Metabolic Acidosis
Diagnosis
Increased WBC
Increased Lactate (Lactic Acid)
X-ray
Air Within Bowel Wall
CT Angiography
Bowel Wall Edema
Treatment
Antibiotics
Emergent Surgical Intervention
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Mechanism and Characteristics
Symptomatic Age: 10-30 Years
LKB1/STK11 Gene Mutation
Autosomal Dominant
Signs and Symptoms
Benign GI Hamartomatous Polyps
Mucocutaneous Hyperpigmentation
Positive Family History
Increased Risk of Colorectal Carcinoma
picmonic thumbnail
1 min
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Assessment
Abdominal Pain
Relieved by Defecation
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Fatigue
Excessive Flatulence
Sensation of Incomplete Evacuation
Considerations
Stressors
Food Intolerances
More Common in Women
Rule Out Other Disorders
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Interventions
Interventions
Identify Triggers
Increase Fiber Intake
Probiotics
Anticholinergics
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Loperamide
Linaclotide
Medications for Women
Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
Alosetron (Lotronex)
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Clostridioides difficile (Clostridium difficile)
Characteristics
Gram-Positive
Bacillus
Anaerobe
Clindamycin and Ampicillin
Toxin A Enterotoxin
Damages Brush Border of Gut
Toxin B Cytotoxin
Damages Cytoskeletal Structure
Signs and Symptoms
Diarrhea
Pseudomembranous Colitis
Toxic Megacolon
Diagnosis
Detect Toxins in Stool
Treatment
Metronidazole
Vancomycin
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins
Clostridium difficile (Clostridioides difficile) Treatments
Oral Vancomycin
Fidaxomicin
Metronidazole
Stool Transplant
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Selective IgA Deficiency
Pathophysiology
Defect in Class Switching
Decreased IgA
Signs and Symptoms
Often Asymptomatic
Increase in Atopic & Autoimmune Diseases
Sinopulmonary Infections
Increased Risk Giardia Lamblia Infections
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Celiac Disease
Considerations
Anaphylaxis From IgA Containing Blood Products
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Lactose Intolerance
Pathophysiology
Lactase Deficiency
Decreased Lactose Absorption
Increased Osmotic Load
Presentation
Abdominal Pain
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Diagnosis
Positive Hydrogen Breath Test
Decreased Stool pH
Management
Avoid Dairy
Lactase Supplementation
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Gardner Syndrome
Pathophysiology
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) + Extraintestinal Benign Tumors
Autosomal Dominant
APC Gene Mutation
Clinical Findings
Desmoid Tumors
Nasal Angiofibromas
Osteomas
Congenital Hypertrophy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Dental Abnormalities
Cutaneous Lesions
Adrenal Adenomas
Associations
Thyroid Cancer
Duodenal / Periampullary Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Hepatoblastoma
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Turcot Syndrome
Pathophysiology
Autosomal Dominant or Autosomal Recessive
Colonic Polyposis + CNS Tumor
Associations
Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Increased Risk of Brain Cancer
Lynch Syndrome
Glioblastoma Multiforme
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Medulloblastoma
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Volvulus Characteristics and Presentation
Characteristics
Bowel Torsion
Bowel Infarction
Sigmoid Colon and Cecum
Clinical Features
Small Bowel Obstruction
Abdominal Pain
Unstable Vital Signs
Peritonitis
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Volvulus Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis
Abdominal X-ray
Coffee Bean Sign
Kidney Bean Sign
Abdominal CT Scan
Whirl Sign
Barium Enema
Bird's Beak Sign
Management
Fluid Resuscitation
Surgery
Consider Antibiotics
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood Cultures
Pneumatosis Intestinalis
Increased Bowel Wall Thickness
Management
NPO with NG Tube to Suction
Broad Spectrum Antibiotics
Surgery
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Characteristics and Clinical Features
Characteristics
Bowel Wall Inflammation
Prematurity
Early Clinical Features
Failure to Thrive
Vomiting
Rectal Bleeding
Late Clinical Features
GI Perforation
Peritonitis
Sepsis and Shock
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Pathophysiology
Autosomal Dominant
Mutation in Chromosome 5
APC Gene Mutation
Overexpression of Beta-catenin
Two-Hit Hypothesis
Clinical Findings
Change in Bowel Habits
Colonic Polyps
Screening
Colonoscopy
Management
Prophylactic Surgery
Considerations
Progresses to Colorectal Carcinoma
picmonic thumbnail
3 mins
Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome
Characteristics
Autosomal Dominant
Children < 5 Years Old
Clinical Findings
Hamartomatous Polyps in Gastrointestinal Tract
GI Distress
Anemia
Considerations
Increased Risk of Colorectal Carcinoma
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Ischemia and Vulnerable Tissues
Brain
MCA-ACA and MCA-PCA Interface
Heart
Subendocardium of Left Ventricle
Kidney
Proximal Tubule
Thick Ascending Limbs of the Loop of Henle
Liver
Central Vein
Colon
Splenic Flexure
Rectosigmoid Junction
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Neoplastic Colonic Polyps
Characteristic
Malignant
Types
Adenomatous Polyps
APC and KRAS Mutation
Villous Type is more Malignant
Serrated Polyps
BRAF Mutation
Saw-Tooth Pattern
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins
Hemorrhoids
Characteristic
Lower GI Bleeding
Types
Internal Hemorrhoids
Above Pectinate Line
Visceral Innervation
Not Painful
External Hemorrhoids
Below Pectinate Line
Somatic Innervation
Painful
Treatment
High Fiber Intake
Surgery
picmonic thumbnail
2 mins

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,990,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.

It's worth every penny