Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Acute myocardial infarction complicating active ulcerative colitis: a case report
Eva D Papadimitraki1, Mubarak Ahamed1, Nicholas H Bunce1
1Department of Cardiology, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK.
Insights
Ulcerative colitis patients may face cardiac risks, including myocardial infarction, especially with specific antibodies and elevated factor VIII. Cardiac MRI aids in diagnosing heart damage in these inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with potential extraintestinal manifestations.
- Cardiac involvement in UC, such as pericarditis and myocarditis, is known, but links to ischemic heart disease are less clear.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old male with anti-PRIII ANCA-positive UC and elevated factor VIII activity presented with acute myocardial infarction.
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of cardiac complications in a young UC patient.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an acute myocardial infarction, a condition not definitively linked to UC.
- Elevated factor VIII activity and ANCA positivity may indicate an increased thrombotic risk in UC.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac events in UC patients, even young ones.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a valuable tool for evaluating myocardial damage in patients with inflammatory diseases like UC.
- Further research is needed to clarify the association between UC, thrombotic risk factors, and ischemic heart disease.
Abstract:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but can involve extraintestinal organs including musculoskeletal system and skin. The most frequent cardiac manifestations of UC are pericarditis and myocarditis. Patients display an increased risk for venous thromboembolic complications and mesenteric ischemia, but the association with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction is uncertain. We present the case of a 27-year-old man with anti-PRIII ANCA-positive ulcerative colitis and increased factor VIII activity who presented with an acute myocardial infarction. We discuss possible causative links between these clinical entities and demonstrate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with underlying inflammatory conditions who present with chest pain and evidence of myocardial damage.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
