[Gluteal abscess complicated by sepsis as the expression of Crohn's disease].

Two young women, aged 19 and 25 years, suffered from persistent perianal sepsis after local drainage of unusual gluteal abscesses. Preoperative CT scanning showed unrecognised and inadequately treated abscesses and signs of inflammatory bowel disease. Both patients underwent a reoperation: affected bowel segments were removed, stomas were created and abscesses were drained. In the case of unusual perianal abscesses the diagnosis 'Crohn's disease' must be considered. Preoperative examinations should include CT or MRI scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Intraoperative colonoscopy can often be helpful in assessing the extent of the affected bowel segment.