stepladder pattern

stepladder pattern

Stepladder configuration GI imaging A pattern seen on a barium enema of the ascending colon, in which rigid fibrosis causes transverse linear fissures intersecting with gullies of contrast material in deep longitudinal ulcers, a finding in in Crohn's disease, when radiocontrast 'spills' past the constricted and narrowed terminal ileum, imparting a 'railroad track' appearance on gross examination. See Garden hose appearance, String sign Rheumatology A descriptor for the consecutive subluxations in the cervical spine in rheumatoid arthritis, which may be accompanied by intervertebral disk space narrowing.