lleitis

lleitis, inflammation of the ileum, a section of the small intestine. Crohn's disease, also known as regional ileitis or regional enteritis, is the most frequently occurring form of ileitis and is characterized by sporadic attacks, which include abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea. These attacks are caused by a periodic swelling of the ileum, which prevents the passage of food and may eventually cause starvation. It is not known what causes ileitis, and there is no cure, although it can be treated with special diet, intravenous feeding, and surgery, which is successful 50% of the time.

See also: Intestine.