Crohn's disease. Endoscopic view of ulceration (white) in the terminal ileum of a patient with Crohn's disease. The terminal ileum is the end of the small intestine. Crohn's disease causes inflammation, thickening, and ulceration of the intestinal tract. Its cause is unknown and there is no cure. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and the malabsorption of food, leading to weight loss. Treatment normally involves controlling the symptoms and maintaining remission where possible, using anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants. Surgical removal of inflamed regions of the intestine is sometimes also required.