[Skin disease in regional enteritis (Crohn's disease)]

Metastatic Crohn's disease

We have reported two further cases of metastatic Crohn's disease (MC), one of whom presented with a widespread symmetrical perifollicular papular eruption on the arms and legs not previously reported. In view of the varied clinical appearances the incidence may be underestimated and consequently we feel that more patients with Crohn's disease who develop skin lesions should be biopsied.

Metastatic Crohn's disease

Cutaneous granuloma formation distant from the gastrointestinal tract in patients with Crohn's disease of the bowel has been called metastatic Crohn's disease. We report two patients with this entity, including the first to present with an erysipelas-like eruption of the face. A review of the world's literature reveals that all patients with metastatic Crohn's disease have had gastrointestinal disease involving the colon or rectum. Clinical features of the nine previously reported cases are reviewed.

Cutaneous manifestations of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which may have distinctive mucocutaneous manifestations. Included in this group are perianal, peristomal, and perifistular ulceration, as well as granulomatous cutaneous inflammation separate from gastrointestinal tract openings (metastatic Crohn's disease). In the oral cavity, both ulcerations and granulomatous nodules may occur. Malabsorption of nutrients may lead to several changes, including an acrodermatitis enteropathica-like syndrome secondary to zinc deficiency. Patients with Crohn's disease may also have pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema nodosum, cutaneous vasculitis, and other less specific changes.