Radiology, Vol 157, 303-304, Copyright © 1985 by Radiological Society of North America
Crohn disease in the elderly
PJ Feczko, J Barbour, RD Halpert and LV Ackerman
During the past 2 years, we have encountered 14 patients whose onset of
clinical symptoms of Crohn disease occurred after the age of 50, accounting
for 14% of all Crohn disease patients studied in our department during this
period. Most patients presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, or perianal
disease, and many also had anemia or rectal bleeding. The disease occurred
slightly more often in the colon (n = 10), although many patients had
terminal ileal disease (n = 7). The radiographic appearance was similar to
that of Crohn disease in younger patients, with ulceration, fistula, and
stricture formation. Occasionally, the disease mimics neoplasia or
diverticulitis. Extraintestinal complications were also evident, with one
patient each with renal calculi and ankylosing spondylitis. The occurrence
of Crohn disease in the elderly is not uncommon, and a prompt diagnosis is
important so that proper therapy can be initiated.
