Acute free colonic perforation as a presenting sign of Crohn's disease. Case report.

A case of free perforation of the colon in Crohn's disease is reported. There was no dilation or distal obstruction of the gut. Apart from the perforation, no macroscopic (transmural) affection of the gut was found at laparotomy. The diagnosis was not achieved until the follow-up period. The incidence and pathogenesis of the complication are discussed.