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Complicated Crohn's disease in the over 70 age group

J W Serpell1, C D Johnson

  • 1Kingston Hospital, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|June 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Crohn's disease is uncommon in older adults, often presenting with urgent complications. Early diagnosis is crucial for favorable outcomes in this demographic.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Gastroenterology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Crohn's disease (CD) is rarely diagnosed in individuals over 70.
  • Elderly patients with CD frequently present with acute, severe complications.

Observation:

  • Seven elderly patients with CD all presented with complications, often with initial misdiagnosis.
  • Comorbid diverticular disease delayed diagnosis in three patients.
  • Ileocolic CD led to peritonitis or bowel obstruction in three patients.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was delayed in several cases, with two requiring histological examination of resected tissue.
  • Crohn's disease was initially unsuspected in all observed elderly patients.
  • Complicated Crohn's disease presentation is expected to increase in the aging population.

Implications:

  • Surgeons must consider Crohn's disease in elderly patients presenting with acute abdominal conditions.
  • Awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate management.
  • Timely intervention in this age group is associated with a generally favorable prognosis.

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