Hemorrhagic cerebral infarct and ulcerative colitis. A case report

We report the occurrence of a cerebral ischemic infarct in a young normotensive woman suffering from ulcerative colitis. One week later, clinical neurological deterioration corresponded with hemorrhagic transformation of the previously ischemic region and white matter edema. Extensive laboratory investigation excluded other possible causes for stroke mechanism and rather supported a cerebral vasculitic process, while significant improvement both on neurological and bowel function was observed under prednisone therapy. This report provides some additional support to the possible association between ulcerative colitis and cerebrovascular complications.