Deep stromal inflammation--a possible new ocular manifestation of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, is infrequently associated with epithelial and subepithelial corneal inflammation. However, deep stromal inflammation has not been described previously in association with Crohn's disease. We report on a 52-year-old male who suffered from anterior uveitis and deep stromal inflammation. Complete ocular and systemic workup revealed an active asymptomatic Crohn's colitis; no other possible cause for the ocular inflammation was found. We conclude that deep stromal inflammation, in addition to the previously reported corneal epithelial inflammation, may be associated with Crohn's disease.