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Crohn's disease limited to the vermiform appendix.
1Institute of Pathology, Aalborg Sygehus, Denmark.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Crohn's disease limited to the appendix is rare but has an indolent course. Appendectomy for appendiceal Crohn's disease shows a low recurrence rate, suggesting a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Appendiceal involvement in CD is uncommon but presents diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of Crohn's disease confined to the vermiform appendix.
- To determine the recurrence rate of appendiceal CD after appendectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 cases of appendiceal CD over 12 years.
- Histopathological analysis including fibrous thickening and granulomas.
- Review of collective case series to estimate recurrence rates.
Main Results:
- Appendiceal CD represented 16.9% of primary bowel resections for CD.
- Histology showed significant fibrous thickening (10/13) and granulomas (11/13).
- Appendectomy resulted in no postoperative fistulas or later manifestations, with an estimated recurrence rate of 3.5%.
Conclusions:
- Crohn's disease initially confined to the appendix has an indolent clinical course.
- Appendectomy appears to be an effective treatment with a low recurrence rate for appendiceal CD.
- Appendiceal CD has a better prognosis compared to CD in other intestinal segments.