Coexistence of Graves’ Disease (Basedow’s Disease) and Ulcerative Colitis

The coexistence of Graves’ disease (GD), also known as Basedow’s disease, and ulcerative colitis (UC) is uncommon although both conditions involve the autoimmune process. This report reviews the Englishand Japanese-language literature on coexisting hyperthyroidism and UC, and discusses cases of concomitant GD and UC reported since 1980. Of the 16 cases of concomitant GD and UC that were identified, 10 were female (62.5%). In one case (6.3%), GD and UC were simultaneously diagnosed. In nine cases (56.3%) GD developed before UC and in six cases (37.5%) UC developed before GD. The time interval between the development of the primary and the concomitant disease was 0–20 years. Most cases of concomitant GD and UC were treated with pharmacotherapy and there were no deaths reported.