Crohn's disease of the duodenum

Abstract

Affection of the stomach and duodenum by Crohn's disease is rare and varies according to the majority of data in the literature between 0.5 and 4%. A pre-existing or concurrent distal affection, most frequently on the ileum, is common. The authors describe a rare isolated affection of the pylorus and duodenum in a 17-year-old boy with manifestations of a severe inflammatory obstruction. Crohn's disease was suspected already before operation and was confirmed by laparotomy and histological examination of a portion of the pyloric wall. The author discusses the difficulties of preoperative diagnosis and common methods of surgical treatment.