A Case of Isolated Crohn's Disease of the Appendix

Abstract

The patient was a 66-year-old woman. PET-CT performed during the treatment of lung cancer showed FDG accumulation in the appendix. Colonoscopy showed submucosal elevation and erythematous orifice of the vermiform appendix, and contrast-enhanced CT showed wall thickening and contrast effect at the same site. The resected specimen showed wall thickening of the appendix. Histologic findings showed fissuring, transmural inflammation, and epithelioid cell granuloma. We diagnosed isolated Crohn's disease of the appendix. There has been no recurrence 6 months after surgery.

Isolated appendiceal Crohn's disease without preceding bowel symptoms is a rare phenomenon and diagnosis is difficult. We report this case of Crohn's disease of the appendix with a review of the literature.