Clinical Features Of Crohn's Disease And Its Diagnosis Methods

Objective To enhance our understanding of Crohn's disease and improve its early diagnostic accuracy.Methods twenty-two patients with Crohn's disease were studied. All their clinical manifestation and diagnostic data were analysed.Results Most patients were young adults, with a 1.75:1 male predominance in prevalence. The disease affects any segment or a combination of segments of the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus. However, the small bowel and the colon were the major sites involved. Recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and watery diarrhea were the most common symptoms.In addition, low grade fever, emaciation, anemia, and symptoms with skin, joints or perianal complications could be discovered if attention was paid. An endoscopy combmed with histologic examination in diopsy specimensprovided characteristic features. Granulomas were indentifiable in 53.8% of all biopsy specimens. Factor causing misdiagnosis were: insufficient attention of the disease, diverse clinical presentations, or over emphasis of the diagnosis value of granulomas.Conclusions Crohn's disease is not uncommon in China. Abdominal pain and watery diarrhea are two major symptoms. Endoscopy (with biopsy) is a valuable procedures for diagnosis.