CROHNS-DISEASE OF THE PREPUCE IN A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY - A CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

We report a case of Crohn's disease with involvement of the foreskin i n a 12-year-old boy. One year previously, on the basis of clinical fea tures (diarrhea with blood, perianal fissures) and histologic examinat ion, a diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made. Subsequently, he develop ed phimosis and balanitis and underwent circumcision. Sections submitt ed from the foreskin revealed noncaseating granulomatous inflammation consistent with Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease and involvement of th e genitalia is unusual. Only 26 cases including our case have been rep orted in the scientific literature. We have analyzed these cases with emphasis on gender, age, clinical features, duration of Crohn's diseas e, and probable mode of spread to the genitalia. Careful examination o f sections from genital lesions, including those submitted from the fo reskin, is essential to detect small isolated granulomas that may then lead to the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.