All are true regarding Crohn’s disease except:
**Core Concept**
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by transmural inflammation, skip lesions, and involvement of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is associated with immune dysregulation, increased risk of malignancy, and specific serological markers such as anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
ASCA (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies) are **commonly positive** in Crohn’s disease, especially in patients with ileocolonic involvement. The presence of ASCA is a known serological marker associated with Crohn’s, though not all patients are positive. Therefore, stating that Crohn’s disease is "ASCA-negative" is false and thus the exception. The other options are accurate: infertility can occur due to chronic inflammation or hormonal disruption; patients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (Ca); and medical therapy includes antibiotics, probiotics, and TNF-alpha blockers like infliximab.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: Infertility is a recognized complication due to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or surgical interventions.
Option B: Crohn’s disease increases the risk of colorectal cancer (Ca), especially in long-standing, extensive disease.
Option C: Antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole), probiotics, and TNF-alpha blockers (e.g., infliximab) are indeed used in medical management.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
ASCA positivity is a hallmark serological feature in Crohn’s disease, particularly in ileal and colonic forms. A negative ASCA result does not rule out Crohn’s and may be seen in early or mild cases, but it is **not** a feature of the disease.
✓ Correct Answer: D. ASCA-negative