Takayasu's arteritis and Crohn's disease: an unusual association. Report on two cases

Two cases of Takayasu's aptepitis associated with Crohns disease of the col on are described, both of which occurring in young female patients. In the first case, the vasculitic process was widespread, involving the aortic arc h, the abdominal aorta, the renal arteries and the left iliac artery, simil ar to the angiographic "Indian" pattern. The second case presented a typica l Japanese aortic arch involvement. In the first patient, Crohn's disease a ppeared to have been present prior to Takayasu's arteritis, vice versa in t he second case; steroid treatment, assigned for both diseases might, howeve r have modified their natural evolution. The association is rare. Moreover, the coexistence of two immune-mediated diseases in the same subject is unu sual as they are generally considered to be independent. Hypotheses concern ing their possible inter-relationship are advanced.