Oral manifestations as the first presenting sign of Crohn's disease in a pediatric patient.

ABSTRACT

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although the GI tract is the primary site of involvement, many patients, particularly in pediatric cases, first present with non-intestinal manifestations, including oral lesions. Oral manifestations of CD in children occur in around 50-80% of cases, and about 30% of CD cases in children occur first in the mouth. Recognizing such oral lesions in the pediatric population, and requesting a biopsy, may expedite the diagnosis of CD. We describe a 15 year old male who presented with oral findings of multiple aphthous ulcers and plaques of pink papules of the buccal vestibule. We highlight the initial pathology findings, including non-caseating granulomas, sialadenitis, and a notable plasmacytosis, from biopsy of the left retromolar pad area, which triggered further testing for CD. We provide discussion of how CD was eventually diagnosed and treated and highlight the significance of the pathological findings in this case as they relate to the pathogenesis of CD. Key wordsCrohn's disease, Inflammatory bowel disease, Oral manifestations, Pediatric, Granulomatous inflammation, Monotypic plasma cells.