[Ischemic colitis as manifestation of Takayasu arteritis]

The case of a 44-years old patient who developed two episodes of ischemic colitis over a three year interval and completely recovering from the same with conservative treatment is presented. The patient was symptomatic only during the acute episodes. Arteriographic study performed during the second episode showed stenosis of the infrarenal aorta reducing the blood flow by more than 50% facilitating to the development of arterial thrombosis at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. These arteriographic findings, together with other stenoses in the descending, superior mesenteric, and left subclavian thoracic aorta arteries led to the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. Despite the lack of general symptomatology of the disease, the patient was posteriorly administered steroid treatment with the aim of reducing the local inflammatory process and the risk of new thrombotic episodes.