Isolated Gastric Crohn's Disease: A Growing Tendency.

Abstract

Isolated gastric Crohn's disease (IGCD) is a rare manifestation of Crohn's disease confined to the stomach, unlike its more common forms that primarily affect the ileum and colon. We report the case of a 25-year-old female presenting with a one-month history of epigastric discomfort and nausea, with no other significant gastrointestinal or systemic symptoms. Upper endoscopy revealed an aphthous ulceration on the greater curvature of the stomach, with biopsies showing non-caseating granulomas consistent with Crohn's disease. The diagnosis of IGCD was confirmed through a positive ASCA test and negative p-ANCA test, alongside the absence of ileal and colonic involvement. The patient was treated with prednisone for acute symptom management, followed by infliximab for long-term maintenance. Follow-up evaluations showed no significant relapse episodes. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for IGCD, emphasising the need for further research to optimise treatment protocols and improve long-term outcomes.

Learning points: This case highlights the challenges and complexities of diagnosing and managing isolated gastric Crohn's disease (IGCD), a rare manifestation of Crohn's disease confined to the stomach.Serological tests such as the anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) test and the perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) test help in distinguishing Crohn's disease from other conditions.This case emphasises the importance of considering IGCD in patients with unexplained gastric symptoms, and the need for individualised treatment plans due to the lack of specific guidelines for IGCD.