Complicated Crohn's disease in the over 70 age group

Crohn's disease is rare and is infrequently reported in the over 70 age group. Such patients often present urgently with acute complications of Crohn's disease. Seven patients with Crohn's disease all presented with complications. The diagnosis was initially unsuspected in these patients, and in 3 cases coexisting diverticular disease led to a delay in diagnosis. Three patients with ileocolic disease presented with peritonitis or bowel obstruction. In a further 2 patients a diagnosis of Crohn's disease was not made until after histological examination of resected tissue. It is likely that, as the population ages, more elderly patients will present with complicated Crohn's disease. Surgeons should be aware of this possibility to allow appropriate management of this condition, which generally has a favourable prognosis in this age group.