Crohn's disease with oral presenting signs masquerading as chronic osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND A case of Crohn's disease (CD) was diagnosed following recognition of oral and systemic signs and symptoms in a 19-year-old male patient. METHODS Clinical investigation utilized included blood tests (full blood count, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, liver function tests), computed tomogrphy scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans, oral biopsies, colonoscopy and biopsies of the terminal ileum and colon. RESULTS A diagnosis of CD was made which then allowed appropriate medical treatment to be initiated. CONCLUSION The importance of a thorough medical history and full physical examination with appropriate investigations as dictated by clinical findings is demonstrated.