QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Ulcerative colitis is also characterised by a change in bowel habit with abdominal pain. However, in ulcerative colitis the faecal calprotectin level will be raised. In this case, the normal faecal calprotectin is indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) instead. Relief of the pain by defecation is also characteristic of IBS rather than ulcerative colitis.
10025522
c
Ulcerative colitis
QuestionChoice
The combination of abdominal pain relieved by defecation, mucus in the stool and abdominal distension is in keeping with IBS. By contrast, type 1 diabetes is characterised by signs of endocrine dysfunction such as polyuria and polydipsia.
10025524
e
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
QuestionChoice
Crohn's disease is also characterised by a change in bowel habit with abdominal pain. However, in Crohn's disease the faecal calprotectin level will be raised. In this case, the normal faecal calprotectin is indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) instead. Relief of the pain by defecation is also characteristic of IBS rather than Crohn's disease.
10025521
b
Crohn's disease
QuestionChoice
The combination of abdominal pain relieved by defecation, mucus in the stool and abdominal distension is in keeping with IBS. It is important to rule out alternative causes of these symptoms including irritable bowel disease (IBD) and coeliac disease, before a diagnosis of IBS is made.
10025520
a
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
QuestionChoice
Colorectal cancer is associated with red flag features such as rectal bleeding, weight loss and in some cases, a palpable mass. These are not present in this case. Abdominal pain that is relieved by defecation, mucus in the stool and abdominal distension are all indicative of irritable bowel syndrome.
10025523
d
Colorectal cancer
Concept
Chapter
2693
5848
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Topic
136
Gastroenterology
17502
A 27 year old women presents to her GP with a 3 month history of abdominal pain. This pain tends to be worse after eating, and is relieved by opening her bowels. She has noticed mucus in her stool during this time, and feels quite bloated.

Full investigations are performed. Blood tests, including an IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase test, show no abnormalities. Urine pregnancy test, faecal calprotectin and stool microscopy are also normal.

Which of the following is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
a