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Ileal endometriosis masquerading as Crohn's ileitis
R Boulton1, M H Chawla, S Poole
1Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Ileal endometriosis can mimic Crohn's disease, presenting as a small bowel obstruction. This diagnosis is crucial even when Crohn's disease is present elsewhere in the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Endometriosis typically affects the pelvis but can involve distant organs, including the small bowel.
- Small bowel endometriosis often occurs in the distal ileum, potentially causing fibrosis and strictures.
Observation:
- Two cases of women with ileal endometriosis are presented.
- One patient had a history of Crohn's colitis, and her ileal endometriosis mimicked terminal ileum obstruction.
Findings:
- Ileal endometriosis can present as an obstructing lesion of the terminal ileum.
- This condition can be mistaken for Crohn's disease, especially in patients with existing gastrointestinal Crohn's disease.
Implications:
- Ileal endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ileal Crohn's disease.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management and treatment strategies.