[Perianal fistulae and abscesses in children: consider Crohn's disease].

While perianal fistulae and abscesses in infants usually occur as an isolated phenomenon, in older children Crohn's disease might be the underlying etiologic factor. We present four children of different ages with recurrent perianal fistulae and abscesses. Only after the diagnosis Crohn's disease was established and adequate treatment was initiated, the perianal lesions disappeared without further surgical treatment. Perianal fistulae and abscesses in older children should raise the suspicion of Crohn's disease, in which case therapy is indicated to induce and maintain remission of the underlying disease instead of surgical intervention.