Metastatic Crohn's disease: a review and approach to therapy

Abstract

Metastatic Crohn's disease (CD) is a rare cutaneous manifestation of CD that was first described nearly 50 years ago. Many subsequent reports have defined its most common clinical and histopathologic features. The pathogenesis underlying metastatic CD is unknown but various hypotheses exist. An established standard therapy is lacking. Owing to its rarity and nonspecific clinical presentation along with the diversity of inflammatory skin disorders that often complicate CD, the diagnosis of metastatic CD may be overlooked. This report highlights the salient features of this disorder to facilitate recognition and management of this rare dermatosis.

Keywords: cutaneous Crohn's disease; cutaneous manifestations of Crohn's disease; gastrointestinal disease; granulomatous inflammation; inflammatory bowel disease; metastatic Crohn's disease.