Abstract
A 55-year-old woman presented with steroid refractory Crohn’s disease. In anticipation of surgical therapy, a protein electrophoresis was done and demonstrated low serum immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulin analysis showed low levels of serum immunoglobulin G, which persisted following surgical therapy despite a clinical remission. A diagnosis of combined variable hypogammaglobulinemia was made and her family was screened for a similar disorder. Four of the six family members known to have Crohn’s disease were discovered to have low serum immunoglobulins. The presented patient was the index case in a family who has both hypogammaglobulinemia and Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, the two disorders in this family appear to be closely linked. Future study of the association between these two disorders may enable a more clear definition of Crohn’s disease pathogenesis.