Oral ulcerations as a sign of Crohn's disease in a pediatric patient: a case report.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory intestinal disease of unknown etiology. The disease primarily affects whites, with both sexes being affected equally. A genetic predisposition exists. Symptoms frequently present in the second to third decades of life, although they may present in the pediatric and/or geriatric populations. Oral lesions are significant as they are frequently reported to precede intestinal symptoms. Treatment of Crohn's disease is palliative, with a focus on remission. Pediatric and general dentists play a critical role in the early diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Evaluation of a pediatric patient with complaints of oral ulcerations, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and/or weight loss requires prompt referral to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation for Crohn's disease.
Stavropoulos
Franci
F
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. fstavrop@dental.ufl.edu
Katz
Joseph
J
Guelmann
Marcio
M
Bimstein
Enrique
E
D000293:Adolescent; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D015431:Weight Loss