Terminal ileitis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica presenting with intussusception mimicking Crohn’s disease.

Terminal ileitis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica presenting with intussusception mimicking Crohn’s disease.

Terminal ileitis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica presenting with intussusception mimicking Crohn’s disease.

(지상발표):
Release Date :
Da Som Joung , Yoo Min Lee
Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital Department of Pediatrics1
정다솜 , 이유민
순천향대학교 부천병원 소아청소년과1

Abstract

Differential diagnosis of terminal ileitis is sometimes extremely difficult, and not every inflammation of terminal ileum is Crohn\'s disease(CD). A 6-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with recurred abdominal pain at frequent intervals localized at right lower quadrant as a result of ileo-colic intussusception on ultrasound. After air-reduction was performed, colicky abdominal pain was relieved. Diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhea and low grade fever was remained. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis with elevated levels of C-reactive protein and iron deficiency anemia. We decided to perform abdomen computed tomography(CT) because intussusception is not common in 6-year-old and no evidence of leading point was found on ultrasound. Abdomen CT revealed enhanced wall thickening through terminal ileum, cecum, proximal ascending colon and polypoid lesion was suspected in terminal ileum. Colonoscopy showed a few small sized ulcers in descending colon and cecum, multiple aphthous ulcers in terminal ileum. Pathology finding was chronic inflammation with cryptal distortion, consistent with a diagnosis of CD. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) was started. On the 9th day after admission, stool polymerase chain reaction( PCR) revealed Yersinia enterocolitica infection. EEN was discontinued and supportive management was done. At the 2-month follow up, the patient did not suffer any symptoms. Colonoscopy demonstrated the absence of any inflammations or ulcers. This case demonstrates that clinical manifestations, sonographic, radiologic, endoscopic and histologic findings of Yersinia enterocolitica enteritis can resemble Crohn\'s disease. The final diagnosis should be based on a combination of the clinical history with endoscopic studies and biopsy, culture and PCR for pathogen and response to therapy.

Keywords: Terminal ileitis, Crohn's disease, Yersinia enterocolitica