Cure8 research brief
Atypical presentations of Crohn's disease (abdominal wall abscess with enterocutaneous fistula) can delay diagnosis and treatment in children. Patients with communication difficulties may be at higher risk for missed or late recognition.
Pediatric patients and caregivers, pediatricians, pediatric gastroenterologists, emergency clinicians, and surgeons evaluating unexplained abdominal wall abscesses in children.
This paper summarizes a single adolescent case. Imaging (contrast‑enhanced CT) showed a fistula from the transverse colon to an abdominal wall abscess; percutaneous drainage and antibiotics were used to control infection. Colonoscopy and biopsy later supported a diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
Remission induction included an elemental diet, 5‑ASA, and corticosteroids after the infection was controlled. The patient improved and at 18 months had no recurrence of the abdominal wall fistula.
Clinically, the report recommends that clinicians consider underlying inflammatory bowel disease in children who present with unexplained abdominal wall abscesses, especially when there are systemic signs such as growth failure or malnutrition and when communication barriers (for example, autism spectrum disorder) may obscure GI symptoms.
This is a single case report (abstract-level extraction). It describes one patient's course and management; findings do not establish frequency or comparative effectiveness of treatments. The report emphasizes clinical vigilance rather than providing generalizable outcome data.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Conflict statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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