Perianal Crohn´s disease in a pre-pubertal girl versus sexual abuse: clinical and medicolegal implications / Moléstia de Crohn em menina pré-puberal versus abuso sexual: implicações clínicas e médico-legais

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To describe a case of Crohn's disease presenting as an anal ulceration in a 12 year-old girl, diagnosed initially as sexual abuse. Description We study a case of Crohn?s disease presenting as a perianal ulcer in a 12 year-old girl, diagnosed initially as sexual abuse with serious medico-legal, psychological and socio-familiar implications. Comments: Crohn?s disease is rare during childhood, and a minority presents as perianal ulcers. Considering sexual abuse against adolescents is much commoner it turns essential to consider the differential diagnosis correctly, because of the risks involved, mainly represented by psychological and familiar disruption, medico-legal implications and treatment delay.