Abstract: Crohn's disease(CD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations in the early stages of CD, its identification and diagnosis present significant challenges, often resulting in diagnostic delays. By the time a diagnosis is made, related complications typically have developed, complicating the potential for a cure. This review examines the natural history, definition, pathophysiology, epidemiological characteristics, and management strategies of early CD. It underscores the necessity of employing effective screening tools, risk stratification based on disease severity, and the implementing of opportunistic screening strategies. Close monitoring and follow-up should be conducted for high-risk populations, utilizing genetic testing, specific serum biomarkers, gut microbiota analysis, imaging, and endoscopic techniques. The "golden window of opportunity" should be capitalized upon for early, appropriate, and adequate intervention, thereby providing novel strategies and guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Key words: Crohn's disease, Early diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Disease management, Therapeutics

摘要： 克罗恩病（CD）是一种慢性的免疫介导的胃肠道炎症性疾病。由于早期 CD 缺乏特异的临床表现，其识别与诊断面临挑战，常导致诊断延迟，确诊时常已出现相关并发症，难以治愈。本综述着重探讨早期 CD 的自然病程、定义、生理病理学、流行病学特征及其管理，指出应利用有效的筛查工具，根据 CD 的严重程度进行危险分层，采取伺机筛查的策略，对可疑人群进行密切的监测和随访，其间注意运用基因检测、特异性血清生物标志物、肠道菌群检测、影像学和内镜技术，抓住“黄金机会窗口”进行早期合适的充分干预，为疾病的诊疗提供新策略和指导。

关键词: 克罗恩病, 早期诊断, 病理生理学, 流行病学, 疾病管理, 治疗学