Granulomatous Cheilitis and Crohn's Disease

Abstract

Granulomatous cheilitis is characterized by recurrent swelling of the labial tissues and granulomatous histology. Granulomatous cheilitis has been recognized as an early manifestation of Crohn's disease. It may follow, coincide with or precede the onset of Crohn's disease. The first case presented involved an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease, and the second case presented is of development of granulomatous cheilitis a year before the onset of symptomatic Crohn's disease. Although chronic granulomatous cheilitis is a very rare disorder, once it is diagnosed, the patient should be followed up carefully. These patients should be investigated for asymptomatic Crohn's disease either when the diagnosis of granulomatous cheilitis is confirmed or when gastrointestinal symptoms develop.