What characteristic finding is associated with ulcerative colitis during a colonoscopy?

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation of the colon, and during a colonoscopy, one of the hallmark findings is the presence of pseudopolyps. These pseudopolyps are formed due to the regeneration of the mucosa in areas of inflammation and ulceration, leading to raised areas that resemble polyps but are not true polyps. They are essentially remnants of inflamed mucosa that can be seen in areas adjacent to ulcerated segments of the colon.

Pseudopolyps can vary in size and are commonly found in patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis, reflecting the history of ulcerations and their subsequent healing process. Their presence aids in distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colonic pathologies during a colonoscopy, which may present distinctly different findings. Understanding these characteristic features is crucial in diagnosing and managing ulcerative colitis effectively.