DESCRIPTION OF A CLINICAL CASE OF CROHN'S DISEASE IN A CHILD WITH ATYPICAL DISEASE MANIFESTATION

The global incidence of chronic bowel diseases in pediatric patients is steadily increasing, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD) representing the most severe forms. Inflammatory bowel diseases in children are characterized by higher disease activity, a greater frequency of complications, involvement of extraintestinal organs and systems in the pathological process, and reduced responsiveness to therapy. These conditions adversely affect the child’s growth and development, leading to malnutrition, impaired psychosocial functioning, and diminished adaptive capacity in both physical and social domains. Despite the considerable prevalence of CD, it remains one of the least thoroughly studied gastrointestinal pathologies, complicating timely diagnosis and the development of effective treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to present a clinical case of CD in a 12-year-old child with an atypical disease course. The patient's family history was reviewed; early disease manifestations and clinical presentation were described in detail, and specific features of the disease progression were identified. Clinical symptoms, as well as findings from laboratory tests, instrumental diagnostics, and histological examination, were reported. The therapeutic approach and the outcomes of long-term prospective follow-up were also outlined. The uniqueness of this case lies in the abrupt disease onset, the ambiguous clinical presentation, and the diagnostic challenges encountered in distinguishing CD from ulcerative colitis based on endoscopic and histopathological findings. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from the child’s parents.