The role of anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody in early diagnosis of Crohn´s disease

Abstract

Summary

Crohn´s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory process that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The active phase of the disease is usually connected with malnutrition and dyspepsia. The etiology of CD is still unknown and therefore treatment of the cause is impossible. Routine diagnosis is based on the results of blood analysis, X-ray, endoscopicand histological examinations. Immunological assay is also beneficial because ASCA (Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibody) is considered atypical immunological test for CD. Simultaneously, disease activity can be monitored by some tests, most frequently by plasma levels of CRP (C-reactive protein).

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the nine-year asymptomatic mild elevation of CRP and ASCA positivity in a young woman, in which severe active CD has subsequently developed.