In patients with severe persistent granulomatous enterocolitis and growth failure, elective surgery has been recommended to allow proper growth.1.2.3 However, surgery is not without risk of immediate postoperative complications or recurrence of the granulomatous process.4 Intravenous alimentation has been used during acute attacks of the disease to put the bowel at rest and to improve the nutritional state.5
Most patients with granulomatous enterocolitis and suffering from malnutrition, chronic infection, and fistulae showed considerable clinical improvement and weight gain when a chemically defined "elemental diet" was substituted for regular food.6.7
Report of a Case.—A 13½-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with a history of intermittent diarrhea of 3½ years duration and loss of weight. Findings of the physical examination showed a thin, pale-looking youngster with some right lower-quadrant abdominal pain and a fever of 38 C. The diagnosis of granulomatous enteritis was based on a