[Isolated Crohn's disease of the appendix]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
• Appendiceal involvement is rare but can present as acute appendicitis.

Observation:

• A case of isolated Crohn's disease of the appendix presenting as acute appendicitis is detailed.
• This case is compared with 12 similar cases from existing literature.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of appendiceal Crohn's disease requires histopathological confirmation.
• Isolated appendiceal Crohn's disease does not appear to increase the risk of fistulae formation after appendectomy.
• The frequency of subsequent Crohn's disease in other locations is comparable to primary Crohn's disease elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of histopathological examination in appendicitis cases to identify rare Crohn's disease.
• Suggests that appendectomy for isolated appendiceal Crohn's disease may have a favorable post-operative course regarding fistulae.
• Informs prognosis and follow-up strategies for patients with appendiceal Crohn's disease.