Genetic variants in autophagy-related genes and granuloma formation in a cohort of surgically treated Crohn's disease patients

► Granulomas are a marker of aggressive clinical behavior. ► Young patients develop granulomas more frequently with more granulomas in the bowel wall. ► Smokers are more likely to develop granulomas. ► Autophagy genes ATG4A, FNBP1L and ATG4D are associated with granuloma formation.