A Challenging Case of Metastatic Crohn's Disease Without Gastrointestinal Manifestations

Cureus. 2023 Sep 22;15(9):e45791. doi: 10.7759/cureus.45791. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Metastatic Crohn's disease (MCD) is a rare cutaneous manifestation of Crohn's Disease (CD), defined as non-caseating, granulomatous skin lesions non-contiguous with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Most patients with MCD either have concomitant classic manifestations of CD or develop them within a few months to years. We report a case of MCD without known involvement of the GI tract, after more than three years from diagnosis. After failure or intolerance to several conventional treatments, including oral corticosteroids and azathioprine, adalimumab was initiated with a good response. Diagnosis of cutaneous CD is made by a combination of clinical and histopathological findings. Therapeutic options include topical, intralesional, and systemic corticosteroids as well as topical and systemic immunosuppressants and immunomodulators. Surgical excision may be considered for refractory cases.

Keywords: cutaneous crohn’s disease; granulomatous inflammation; inflammatory bowel disease; metastatic crohn’s disease; skin manifestations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports