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Crohn's disease of the appendix.
A L Wiesfeld1, T J Kouwenhoven, J M Van Baalen
1Department of Gastroenterology, Maaslandziekenhuis, Sittard, The Netherlands.
The Netherlands Journal of Surgery
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Crohn's disease isolated to the appendix can mimic appendicitis, requiring appendectomy for treatment. While some patients have concurrent gastrointestinal Crohn's, others may experience recurrence, necessitating long-term follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.
- Appendiceal involvement is a rare manifestation.
Observation:
- Two cases of Crohn's disease exclusively affecting the appendix are presented.
- Clinical presentations included acute appendicitis and appendiceal infiltrate.
Findings:
- Appendectomy is the recommended treatment for appendiceal Crohn's disease.
- Twenty-five percent of patients had concurrent Crohn's disease in other GI tract areas.
- A 10-15% recurrence rate was observed in patients without concurrent disease.
Implications:
- Appendiceal Crohn's disease requires surgical intervention.
- Long-term monitoring is crucial due to potential recurrence.
- Differential diagnosis of appendicitis should consider Crohn's disease.