Heartburn and multiple-site foregut perforations as primary manifestation of Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease may affect any segment of the digestive tract, more commonly the distal ileum, colon and/or perianal region. There is an increasing number of reports dealing with foregut Crohn's disease. We present the case of a patient with a history of heartburn and multiple spontaneous perforations of the esophagus, duodenum and jejunum as a primary manifestation of Crohn's disease who required emergency surgical and endoscopic procedures. Early detection of Crohn's disease may decrease the incidence of acute life-threatening complications provided that appropriate medical treatment is administered and a multidisciplinary approach is offered to these patients.
Bona
D
D
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Policlinico San Donato, Division of General Surgery, Milano, Italy.
Incarbone
R
R
Chella
B
B
Vecchi
M
M
Bonavina
L
L
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007579:Jejunal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents