Crohn's disease diagnosed by wireless capsule endoscopy in adolescents with abdominal pain, protein-losing enteropathy, anemia and negative endoscopic and radiologic findings

Background: Approximately one-fourth of new Crohn's disease diagnoses are made in individuals under the age of 20 years, in whom proximal Crohn's disease tends to be more common. Objectives: To describe the role of wireless capsule endoscopy in diagnosing isolated small intestinal Crohn's disease in two adolescents. Methods: Wireless capsule endoscopy was performed in two adolescents with severe protein-losing enteropathy and negative standard diagnostic workup. Results: Wireless capsule endoscopy successfully diagnosed Crohn's disease with uncharacteristic presentations and negative radiographic and endoscopic findings in both patients. Conclusions: The non-invasiveness and ease in performance of capsule endoscopy on an ambulatory basis make this diagnostic modality especially advantageous for children.