Liver Disease in Crohn's Disease

Abstract

One hundred consecutive patients with Crohn's disease were studied for evidence of liver disease with histological and biochemical mehods. Jaundice occurred in 13, blood transfusions had been given to 85, and many had had hepato-toxic drugs. None of these factors were related to incidence or type of hepatic abnormality observed. Histological abnormalities were present in 94% of 49 biopsies, and these abnormalities were more than minor in 71%. Increased hepatic fibrosis was more common in patients with extensive intestinal involvement with Crohn's disease. Hepatic granulomata and amyloid disease were noted. There was poor correlation between the biochemical and histological abnormalities demonstrated.

Key-words:

• Liver disease
• regional enteritis