Crohn disease in the elderly

During the past 2 years, we have encountered 14 patients whose onset of clinical symptoms of Crohn disease occurred after the age of 50, accounting for 14% of all Crohn disease patients studied in our department during this period. Most patients presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, or perianal disease, and many also had anemia or rectal bleeding. The disease occurred slightly more often in the colon (n = 10), although many patients had terminal ileal disease (n = 7). The radiographic appearance was similar to that of Crohn disease in younger patients, with ulceration, fistula, and stricture formation. Occasionally, the disease mimics neoplasia or diverticulitis. Extraintestinal complications were also evident, with one patient each with renal calculi and ankylosing spondylitis. The occurrence of Crohn disease in the elderly is not uncommon, and a prompt diagnosis is important so that proper therapy can be initiated.