Includes References

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are standing in the middle of growing attention and interest than ever in the field of gastroenterology based on highly increasing prevalence and achieving advanced knowledge in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. With the expansion of
knowledge in IBD, a demand for the precise endoscopic diagnostic criteria and differential
diagnoses has also been increased. In particular, the incidence and prevalence of IBD have
recently been increasing throughout Asia. This trend in IBD epidemiology indicates the necessity of specific attention and education in this area. Additionally, many infectious enterocolitides or intestinal Behçet’s disease that are prevalent in Asia should be differentiated from IBD,
but it is often a difficult task.
While some excellent atlases have been published on other fields of gastroenterology, there
have been no atlases of IBD to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The present atlas attempts
to fill this gap in response to the intense interest. We aimed to provide detailed guidance on
endoscopic indices of disease activity, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and complications
of IBD.
This comprehensive atlas, containing more than 500 high-quality images, illustrates the
complete spectrum of presentations of IBD. With detailed explanations of each endoscopic
finding, it provides the most important differential diagnoses. Especially, it is focused on the
most recent developments in the use of endoscopy in IBD as well as proper diagnosis using
conventional endoscopy. In addition to ileocolonoscopy, small bowel endoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, chapters are included on the role of both established radiological techniques, such as CT, MRI, and the newest approaches, including high-resolution endoscopy,
narrow band imaging, and confocal laser endomicroscopy. The present volume also completes
and extends the endoscopic characterization of other related intestinal diseases as well as IBD
and incorporates original figures. Where possible, summarizing tables were placed for a better
understanding of readers. To constitute this atlas, more informative and valuable extraintestinal manifestations and complications are also addressed in separate chapters, and it concludes
by presenting surgical findings.
The authors are international authorities in the Asian-Pacific region with diverse expert
knowledge who have collaborated to create an ideal tool for all who wish to master endoscopic
evaluation in IBD. We anticipate that the illustrations and descriptions will increase knowledge
as a practical text for both practitioners and trainees in gastroenterology. Through continuous
improvement of knowledge and increasing practice experiences, we are sure this atlas will
continue to develop.
Concluding the preface, we attentively hope this can be regarded as a best guideline for use
in diagnostic and prognostic decisions and individualized therapeutic planning. Also we look
forward to receiving any suggestions that may assist us in continuing to offer a top-quality
atlas.