Regional Enteritis
This nonspecific chronic granulomatous disease of the small intestine is also known as Crohn’s disease or Transmural Enterocolitis.
It usually affects the ileum and may also involve the colon and the jejunum.
This condition is more common among the male population and it has a familial predilection.
It has been found to be encountered among children in the ages 12-15 years.
The clinical manifestations includes: diarrhea which may appear bloody and mucoid, colicky abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, fever, anorexia, muscle wasting and growth retardation.
In severe cases, there are signs of partial intestinal obstruction with dilated loops representing the involved bowel segment.
It needs to have a high index of suspicion if a physician is presented with a patient with the above symptoms so that immediate medical therapy can be started and avoidance of surgical interventions.
Also, complications such as fistula formation and intestinal obstructions can be addressed to immediately.