ON THE qTIOLOGY OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS A VASCULAR HYPOTHESIS

Under certain conditions, there is an increased frequency of pressure waves of high amplitude and long duration in the distal colon. It is postulated that these pressures cause the bowel lesion of ulcerative colitis, by impairing the microcirculation of the metabolically highly active mucosa. The theory is compatible with the pathology of the disease, and may explain its response to drugs.