[Neurological complications of ulcerative colitis]

Extraintestinal complications of ulcerative colitis(UC) affect various organ systems. However, there is a notable sparing of the nervous system. In this review, we describe the complications of nervous system dividing into some categories. Most frequently reported is cerebrovascular disease(CVD), which occurs in hypercoagulable state or vasculitis. Young patient with active UC seems to be a risk of CVD. Some authors suggest that the familial concurrence of multiple sclerosis and UC. However, there is only one report in Japan. Myopathy and neuropathy are rare diseases in a group of this review. The former are considered an overlapping occurrence of UC. The latter have various areas in peripheral nervous system. A detailed investigation of immunological back-ground is required to define the nature of their association.