# Case Report: Exploring beyond tumors: intra-abdominal mass in a young patient with Crohn's disease

## TL;DR

A young girl with Crohn's disease presented with an abdominal mass, highlighting the challenge of diagnosing the condition when it appears atypically.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the atypical presentation of Crohn's disease as an intra-abdominal mass in children.

## Key findings

- A 12-year-old girl presented with an abdominal mass and no typical gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Biopsy confirmed Crohn's disease with noncaseating granulomas despite the unusual presentation.
- The case emphasizes the importance of considering IBD in diagnosing intra-abdominal masses in children.

## Abstract

An abdominal mass is an uncommon manifestation of Crohn's disease, often mimicking the granulomatous, infectious, or neoplastic conditions. In this case, a 12-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain and a mass in the right lower quadrant (RLQ). Despite the absence of typical gastrointestinal symptoms, investigations revealed an indeterminate abdominal mass. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoid mass in the cecum, which eventually led to an ileocecectomy. Biopsy results showed noncaseating granulomas, characteristic of Crohn's disease (CD). Laboratory tests indicated anemia, elevated inflammation markers, and positive genetic markers for CD. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of CD in children, particularly when it presents atypically as a benign mass. It emphasizes the importance of considering inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the differential diagnosis of intraluminal intra-abdominal masses and stresses the need for early recognition and treatment to improve outcomes, highlighting the significance of a comprehensive evaluation incorporating symptoms, radiology, and histological evidence.