Perforation of the sigmoid colon with ischemic change due to polyarteritis nodosa

A 60-year-old man who developed a perforation of the sigmoid colon with ischemic change due to polyarteritis nodosa is described. Histological examination of the resected colon led to the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa. Although the gastrointestinal tract is frequently involved with polyarteritis nodosa, it is extremely rare for polyarteritis nodosa to be accompanied by a perforation of the colon, particularly at the initial presentation.