Recurrent Cerebral Infarction due to Cerebral Vasculitis in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Vascular complications are extraintestinal manifestations of ulcerative colitis. Although there has been some controversy regarding the association between ulcerative colitis and stroke, hypercoagulability and systemic inflammation are thought to be possible factors contributing to stroke pathogenesis. Herein, we report a case of recurrent ischemic stroke with significant arterial stenosis. Cerebral vasculitis was suggested in high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VWI) and marked improvement was confirmed by follow-up VWI after steroid treatment. This case suggests that VWI can be a useful tool to diagnose cerebral vasculitis and evaluate therapeutic effect.