Vulvar Crohn's Disease: Clinical Features and Outcomes
Janice Cho, Edward V. Loftus, David H. Bruining, Victor Chedid, Francis A. Farraye, William A. Faubion, Amanda M. Johnson, Sunanda V. Kane, John B. Kisiel, Talha A. Malik, Konstantinos A. Papadakis, Darrell S. Pardi, Michael F. Picco, Laura E. Raffals, Kenneth W. Schroeder, William J. Tremaine, Nayantara Coelho–Prabhu
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vulvar involvement is a rare complication of Crohn's disease (CD). The optimal treatment of vulvar CD is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a 25-year retrospective cohort study of vulvar CD from 3 referral centers. Clinical features and outcomes were studied. RESULTS: Fifty patients were identified. The most common vulvar symptoms were pain (74%), edema (60%), ulcerations (46%), nodules (36%), and abscess (34%). Medical management leading to symptomatic improvement varied, and 5 patients ultimately required surgery. DISCUSSION: Vulvar CD manifests with a broad spectrum of symptoms. Aggressive medical management was frequently effective, although surgery was required in 10% of cases.