General Discussion and Conclusions

Abstract

Studies presented at the workshop strongly emphasized that histological changes in Crohn’s disease [CD] are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the oral cavity. Morphometric methods also indicate that subtle, albeit non-specific increases are found in total number of inflammatory cells and there is a characteristic increase in macrophages. However, diagnosis of CD and its differentiation from other forms of inflammatory bowel disease remains inexact. Except for granulomas, and to a much lesser degree, focal non-specific inflammation, the inflammatory lesions in Crohn’s disease have no important distinguishing features.