A case of cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis: differential diagnosis from Crohn's disease

Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis is a rare idiopathic disease of the small bowel. Its origin and pathophysiology have not been established. Clinicopathologic features include unexplained small bowel strictures with superficial ulceration, chronic or relapsing occlusion episodes. A 44-year-old man complained of recurrent colicky abdominal pain and dizziness. Laboratory tests indicated iron-deficiency anemia. There was no evidence of bleeding on esophagogastroduodenoscopic and colonofiberscopic examination. With capsule endoscopy, multiple mucosal ulcers were visualized in the jejunoileal area. A small-bowel series revealed severe strictures and the capsule was retained in the stenotic focus without obstructive symptoms. Small bowel segmental resection with end-to-end anastomosis was performed, and the histologic examination indicated cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis. After surgery, the patient's symptoms were completely resolved and his anemia was corrected. Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis should be considered in cases of chronic or recurrent occlusion events and multiple small intestinal ulcers and strictures of unknown origin.