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Published on: March 1, 2022
[Crohn's disease: a controversy]
1The University of Chicago Medicine, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Chicago, Verenigde Staten.
Insights
Burril B. Crohn
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical History
Background:
- The naming of Crohn's disease is linked to a 1932 publication by Burril B. Crohn.
- This publication in JAMA significantly advanced the description and recognition of the gastrointestinal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the historical controversy surrounding the naming of Crohn's disease.
- To discuss the contributions of Crohn, Ginzburg, and Oppenheimer to the disease's recognition.
- To examine the evolution of understanding beyond Crohn's initial depiction.
Main Methods:
- Historical literature review
- Analysis of primary source documents
- Examination of medical historical context
Main Results:
- The naming of Crohn's disease involved a dispute among its describers.
- Burril B. Crohn's 1932 article was pivotal but the naming was complex.
- Phenotypic variations have been recognized beyond the original descriptions.
Conclusions:
- The nomenclature of Crohn's disease has a complex history.
- Understanding the disease's evolution requires acknowledging its naming controversy.
- Further research into phenotypic variations is essential.
Abstract:
In 1932, the New York City-based gastroenterologist, Burril B. Crohn, published the manuscript 'Regional Ileitis' in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This publication is responsible for the current designation of Crohn's disease. Despite the fact that this ground-breaking article lead to the improved description and recognition of this gastrointestinal disease, the choice for the name Crohn's disease was not always straightforward. This article discusses the controversy between Crohn and his colleagues Ginzburg and Oppenheimer, about the naming of the disease. In addition, it touches on the recognition of phenotypes that vary from Crohn's original depiction.
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