Overview of Case Study This is a case study involving a young man 19 years of age who has had Crohn’s disease (CD). The disease is affecting the ileum and part of the jejunum. He has been going through this disease process for the past 5 years and has had numerous exacerbations. Because of his disease he has had delayed growth. Adding to this young man’s health issues, he has developed a fistula between the ileum and the bladder. Several members of his extended family have a history of Crohn’s disease. This paper will review the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease; discuss signs and symptoms, complications and treatment.
Pathophysiology
According to Gould and Dyer (2011) Crohn’s disease is defined as “a chronic inflammatory bowel …show more content…
Other signs and symptoms can include and not limited to: weight loss, malnutrition, perianal irritation, rectal bleeding, fistulas, arthritis and the formation of ulcers. It is important to note, the clinical presentation of a fistula as it relates to this case study. As outlined by Gould and Dyer (2011) a fistula is a connecting passage between two structures, in the case study the two structures are the between the ilium and bladder. These fistulas may form as the ulcer erodes through the intestinal wall.” Ruthriff (2007) adds “Diagnosing CD can be difficult as it often is mistaken for other types of colitis. Diagnosis of CD can be made through the use of many different methods. Diagnosis should begin with performing both upper and lower endoscopies. Diagnosis can also be achieved with the use of contrast radiography, through the small bowel confirming the anatomical location of the disease as well as identifying internal fistulas. Other procedures include tomography and ultrasonography to help identify abscesses and determination of thickness of the bowel
Pathophysiology
According to Gould and Dyer (2011) Crohn’s disease is defined as “a chronic inflammatory bowel …show more content…
Other signs and symptoms can include and not limited to: weight loss, malnutrition, perianal irritation, rectal bleeding, fistulas, arthritis and the formation of ulcers. It is important to note, the clinical presentation of a fistula as it relates to this case study. As outlined by Gould and Dyer (2011) a fistula is a connecting passage between two structures, in the case study the two structures are the between the ilium and bladder. These fistulas may form as the ulcer erodes through the intestinal wall.” Ruthriff (2007) adds “Diagnosing CD can be difficult as it often is mistaken for other types of colitis. Diagnosis of CD can be made through the use of many different methods. Diagnosis should begin with performing both upper and lower endoscopies. Diagnosis can also be achieved with the use of contrast radiography, through the small bowel confirming the anatomical location of the disease as well as identifying internal fistulas. Other procedures include tomography and ultrasonography to help identify abscesses and determination of thickness of the bowel