Ascites associated with the initial presentation of Crohn’s disease

Abstract

We report a case of a 23-yr-old patient who was initially admitted with severe Crohn’s ileocolitis complicated by a large amount of exudative ascites. There was no evidence of malignancy, portal hypertension, or inflammation in any organ other than the bowel. We present the clinical course and response to treatment and discuss the possible mechanisms by which Crohn’s disease might contribute to the development of exudative ascites.