Case Report: Takayasu Arteritis Associated with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

The association of Takayasu arthritis (TA) and inflammatory bowel disease is rare. Early diagnosis and treatment may influence patient survival. This report describes a 35-year-old woman who had been treated for ulcerative colitis (UC) that manifested with weight loss, upper limb cluadication and vertigo. The diagnosis of TA was made according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. The patient received corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide; however she experienced two additional cerebral events and died after four months. Although the association of TA with UC is rare, we recommend it be considered in young patients with UC who suffer from unexplained weight loss and other constitutional symptoms or cerebrovascular accidents.