A CASE OF CROHN'S DISEASE CONFINED TO THE APPENDIX

Abstract

A 17-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of right lower abdominal pain. Since the patient did not respond to administration of antibiotics, an appendectomy was performed with a diagnosis of appendicitis. Histological findings of the appendix were compatible with Crohn's disease. However, further examination of the gastrointestinal organs showed no findings of Crohn's disease.
Five months later, this patient was admitted again because of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed erythema, edematus and hemorrhagic mucosa in the orifice of appendix.
We considered to be highly suggestive of recurrence of Crohn's disease and an liocecal-resection was performed. Histologically, this case was considered that Crohn's disease confined to the appendix might extend to the cecum. The patient has been recurrence-free as of 2 years after the operation.
Crohn's disease confined to the appendix in relatively uncommon and presents difficulty in diagnosis. The rare case is presented, together with a reveiw of the literature.