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[Neurological complications of ulcerative colitis]
1Department of Internal Medicine & Health Care, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|November 26, 1999
Summary
Ulcerative colitis (UC) rarely affects the nervous system, but can cause cerebrovascular disease, myopathy, and neuropathy. Further research into the immunological links is needed to understand these rare neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Context:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Extraintestinal manifestations of UC are common, affecting multiple organ systems.
- Neurological complications of UC are considered rare, with a notable sparing of the central nervous system.
Purpose:
- To review the known neurological complications associated with ulcerative colitis.
- To categorize and describe the spectrum of nervous system involvement in UC patients.
- To highlight the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms and associations.
Summary:
- Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the most frequent neurological complication, linked to hypercoagulable states or vasculitis in active UC patients.
- Rarely reported neurological issues include myopathy, potentially overlapping with UC, and peripheral neuropathies requiring immunological investigation.
- Familial concurrence of multiple sclerosis and UC is suggested but lacks substantial evidence, with only one reported case in Japan.
Impact:
- This review consolidates current knowledge on rare neurological complications in UC.
- It emphasizes the need for vigilance and further research into the immunological underpinnings of these associations.
- Understanding these links can improve diagnosis and management strategies for UC patients experiencing neurological symptoms.