Small Bowel Stricture in a Crohn's Patient: An Unrelated Etiology

Small bowel strictures are a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), which can lead to obstruction, perforation, and fistula formation. However, strictures can stem from other etiologies in CD patients, including malignancy, prior surgery, radiation, and ischemia. We present a patient who developed a new long-segment jejunal and ileal stricture within 2 months after ileocolic resection. What was initially treated as worsening CD was ultimately an unrelated ischemic stricture due to suspected superior mesenteric artery thrombosis following ileocolic resection. The contrasting location of the stricture compared to her previous disease, timing of progression, and lack of response to anti-inflammatory treatment prompted a reassessment of the underlying disease process.