Posttraumatic Ileal Perforation in Crohn's Disease A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Free peritoneal perforations in Crohn's disease are extremely rare. In this observation, we report the case of a patient who presented with this condition following abdominal blunt trauma. Case presentation: This is a 30-year-old patient with Crohn's disease who was being followed anarchically. She presented with peritonitis following violent abdominal blunt trauma, which was operated on with some diagnostic delay. Discussion: Abdominal blunt trauma could lead to small bowel perforation in patients with Crohn's disease. Especially when the small bowel is weakened by non-adherence to therapy, as in our case. Diagnosis is often delayed, as the clinical signs are discreet. On the other hand, trauma surgeons focus more on solid organs than hollow ones. Conclusion: Abdominal blunt trauma in Crohn's disease increase the risk of occurrence of perforated bowel, especially when the therapeutic follow-up of these patients is not rigorous or in the event of non-adherence to therapy. Delayed diagnosis of these perforations may increase their morbidity.