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Aphthous ulcers in ischemic gastroenterocolitis: a case report
Insights
Extensive occlusive mesenteric vascular disease caused gastrointestinal aphthous ulcers in a patient. Angiography and surgery confirmed ischemic disease, ruling out inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Aphthous ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract can present diagnostic challenges.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common consideration for gastrointestinal ulcerations.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old man presented with extensive aphthous ulcers throughout the stomach, small bowel, and colon.
- Clinical presentation mimicked inflammatory bowel disease but lacked definitive evidence.
Findings:
- Angiography confirmed extensive occlusive mesenteric vascular disease as the cause of ischemia.
- Surgical intervention further validated the diagnosis of vascular disease.
- No evidence of inflammatory bowel disease was found.
Implications:
- Occlusive vascular disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal aphthous ulcers.
- Angiography may be a warranted diagnostic tool for atypical gastrointestinal ulcerations, especially when vascular disease is suspected or present elsewhere.
Abstract:
Extensive occlusive mesenteric vascular disease is described in a 41-year-old man, resulting in aphthous ulcers of the stomach, small bowel, and colon. Ischemic disease was confirmed angiographically and ultimately by surgical intervention. No evidence of inflammatory bowel disease was detected. Occlusive vascular disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of aphthous ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. The risks of angiography may be warranted in the presence of atypical and unresponsive inflammatory bowel disease, especially when it coexists with vascular disease elsewhere.