[Appendiceal Crohn's disease]

Crohn's disease of the appendix is an uncommon process that is more frequent in young people. The most common preoperative diagnosis is acute appendicitis. At exploratory laparotomy the appendix is enlarged and malignancy may be suspected. The differential diagnosis may be difficult. Serologic tests and cultures should be performed to exclude Yersinia infections. Appendicectomy is a safe procedure when the disease is limited to the appendix. The postoperative course is usually uncomplicated with a low rate of complications and recurrence. Although it may be a different process than Crohn's disease and the recurrence rate is low, it is suggested that all the patients should be followed-up so that recurrences may be recognized and treated as early as possible. A new case is presented after two years of follow-up without recurrence.