Acute yersinial ileitis: a distinct entity

A case report of documented Yersinial acute ileitis is presented. A review of the literature reveals that progression to Crohn's disease is uncommon. Yersinosis can present as several symptom complexes. Mesenteric lymphadenitis and terminal ileitis, however, appear to be the most common. The diagnosis is usually made during laparotomy for possible appendicitis, because the symptom complex may be very similar. If the only finding at laparotomy is a thickened edematous ileum, postoperative titers for Yersinia should be taken. A greater awareness is necessary before the true incidence and epidemiology can be ascertained.