Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
08:51
Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
Pediatric Crohn disease presenting as appendicitis: differentiating features from typical appendicitis.
Julie A Bass1, Jennifer Goldman, Mary Anne Jackson
1Division of Gastroenterology, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, United States. jabass@cmh.edu
Summary
Crohn disease (CD) can mimic appendicitis. Preoperative low hemoglobin, low mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and high platelets in children suggest CD, enabling earlier diagnosis and better treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- Crohn disease (CD) presentation can resemble acute appendicitis.
- Identifying preoperative indicators for CD risk is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify preoperative clinical and laboratory differences between appendicitis patients who later developed Crohn disease (CD) and those who did not.
- To investigate the role of NOD2 mutations in CD patients presenting with appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year retrospective case-control study compared appendicitis patients who developed CD with matched controls.
- Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were analyzed.
- Appendectomy specimens were genotyped for NOD2 mutations.
Main Results:
- Eight of 2718 appendicitis patients developed CD.
- CD patients had lower hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and higher platelets compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- NOD2 mutation frequency in CD patients was 25%.
Conclusions:
- Low hemoglobin, low MCV, and high platelets in pediatric appendicitis patients warrant further evaluation for Crohn disease (CD).
- Early CD diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...