Vulvar Crohn's disease in an adolescent diagnosed after unsuccessful surgical treatment

Fistulising skin metastases in Crohn's disease: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Metastatic Crohn's disease is a rare disorder characterized by various granulomatous skin lesions that occur independently of gastrointestinal tract involvement. However, currently there is no standardized care or specific treatment. Therapeutic approaches include immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, and monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 29-year-old western European woman with significant blind ending abdominal subcutaneous fistulas and abscesses, who sought evaluation in the dermatology department. Histological examination revealed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas. There was no evidence of infectious or rheumatologic diseases such as sarcoidosis. The tentative diagnosis was metastatic Crohn's disease, which was not related to an intestinal manifestation of the disease. The patient responded to infliximab but had to discontinue it due to an allergic reaction. Subsequent adalimumab treatment failed to induce clinical remission; thus, therapy was switched to ustekinumab, resulting in a positive response. Written informed consent for publication of their clinical details and clinical images was obtained from the patient. For our study more than 1600 publications were screened for cases of metastatic Crohn's disease on PubMed database. 59 case reports with 171 patients were included in the analysis and evaluated for localization, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and complications and were summarized in this review.

CONCLUSION

The successful ustekinumab treatment of a patient with metastatic Crohn's disease underscores the potential of this minimally investigated therapeutic option, highlighting the need for future treatment guidelines given the increasing prevalence of such cases.

Vulvovaginal Complaints as the First Manifestation of Crohn's Disease in Children: Case Report

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease, a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory condition, can involve gynecological structures. Rectovaginal or rectovestibular involvement may be the first sign in the pediatric population and may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

CASE

A 9-year-old premenarchal female with chronic constipation and poor growth presented to the pediatric gynecologist for evaluation of persistent vulvovaginal discharge and vulvar irritation. Examination under anesthesia revealed a rectolabial fistula; colonoscopy was diagnostic of Crohn's disease. Immunotherapy resulted in improvement of symptoms and anatomical changes.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

In cases of persistent vulvar complaints in a child without clear diagnosis, a high index of suspicion for a non-gynecologic diagnosis is necessary. Collaboration between pediatric gynecologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons can result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of genital Crohn's disease.

A Decade of Waiting: Experiences of Women Living With Vulvar Crohn's Disease and Interactions With Healthcare Professionals Related to Their Sexual Well-Being: A Qualitative Study

Background

Vulvar Crohn's disease is a rare cutaneous manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease and to date, studies have reported on under 300 cases worldwide. The condition has an increased risk of malignancy, and diagnosis is often difficult. Treatment protocols are yet to be developed. This paper aimed to provide the first account of patients' experience of living with vulvar Crohn's.

Methods

A previous qualitative study exploring experiences of sexual well-being in inflammatory bowel disease and experiences of discussing sexual well-being with healthcare professionals found 3 participants who self-reported vulvar Crohn's disease. Data from the whole cohort (n = 43) were previously reported. Telephone semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. van Manen's phenomenology of practice framework informed analysis.

Results

Due to significant differences in experiences, this subgroup of 3 women with vulvar Crohn's warranted separate attention. The common theme of the group was A decade of waiting, describing the major delays experienced in being diagnosed. The symptoms reported appeared to be very severe, and sexual well-being was very negatively affected.

Conclusions

Women with vulvar Crohn's trust in healthcare professionals was eroded as a result of a decade delay in diagnosis, while the quality of life and relationships suffered.