Anti-mycobacterial therapy in Crohn's disease heals mucosa with longitudinal scars

Abstract Background A possible causative link between Crohn's disease and Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis has been suggested. Aim To report unique scarring in Crohn's disease patients treated with anti- Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis therapy. Patients A retrospective review of 52 patients with severe Crohn's disease was conducted. Thirty-nine patients who had at least one follow-up colonoscopy during treatment were included. Methods Patients received rifabutin (up to 600 mg/day), clofazimine (up to 100 mg/day) and clarithromycin (up to 1 g/day) – anti- Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis therapy – for 6 months to 9 years. Ramp-up dosing was used. Colonoscopies and histological analyses monitored progress. Results Twenty-two patients (56.4%, 22/39) healed with unusual scarring, which appeared as branched, ribbon-like, elevated lines. In 2/6 patients (33.3%) who had >3 years of treatment after scarring occurred, scars receded, becoming imperceptible as full healing occurred. Histologically, a marked reduction in inflammation occurred in 15/39 patients (38.5%). Of these, 6/15 patients (40%) displayed restoration of normal mucosa. Longitudinal scarring occurred in 12/15 patients (80%) with improved histology. Conclusions The presence of scarring fading to normal mucosa on anti-MAP therapy implies a more profound healing not seen with standard anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs. Longitudinal scarring and consequent healing with normal histology should become a standard treatment goal for Crohn's disease.