The Association of Chronic "Nonspecific" Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract
Five patients with co-existing ulcerative colitis and lupus erythemato-sus have been described. In 2, surgical specimens demonstrated a granulomatous reaction; an additional 2 patients have segmental colitis, suggestive of granulomatous inflammation (Crohn''s disease). The association of ulcerative colitis with lupus erythematosus is uncommon but not rare. Since the 2 diseases may have many similar clinical manifestations, awareness of their possible co-existence is important.