Devastating Presentations of Regional Enteritis (Crohn's Disease): Two Reports of Survival Following Severe Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Background: Regional enteritis may present in the setting of a variety of clinical symptoms. These symptoms range from mild to severe.

Methods: Here we describe two different presentations of regional enteritis (Crohn's disease): one in the setting of Clostridium perfringens sepsis and the second in association with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Both presentations resulted in life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Results: Following appropriate surgical management and intensive physiologic support, both patients recovered, despite a MODS-predicted risk of mortality of 100% and 91%, respectively.

Conclusions: Fulminant presentations of regional enteritis of this magnitude are rare, and highlight the resolution of severe multiple organ dysfunction for each presentation.