# Epiglottic Ulceration as an Initial Manifestation of Crohn's Disease

## TL;DR

A man with a throat ulcer was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, even without gut symptoms, showing the condition can affect the throat.

## Contribution

This case report highlights epiglottic ulceration as a rare initial sign of Crohn's disease without gastrointestinal symptoms.

## Key findings

- A 52-year-old man presented with an epiglottic ulcer and was later diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
- Crohn's disease can manifest with epiglottic ulcers even in the absence of typical gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Treatment with prednisolone and mesalazine resolved the symptoms without relapse.

## Abstract

Crohn's disease can present with various extraintestinal symptoms; however, laryngeal involvement, particularly epiglottic ulcers, is rare. A 52‐year‐old man presented with a sore throat. Laryngeal endoscopy revealed an epiglottic ulcer. He had no gastrointestinal symptoms. Further evaluation revealed a bamboo joint‐like appearance in the stomach and aphthous ulcers in the terminal ileum; thus, Crohn's disease was diagnosed. Treatment with prednisolone and mesalazine resulted in the resolution of symptoms without relapse. This case highlights that Crohn's disease can cause isolated epiglottic ulcers even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of refractory throat ulcers.