Pulmonary changes in ulcerative colitis

We report on a 54-year-old patient who developed symptoms of bronchitis 3 months after colectomy for ulcerative colitis. Bronchiectases were documented by high resolution computer lung scan. Several cases of ulcerative colitis associated with alterations of the airways, of the pulmonary parenchyma, of the lung vessels and of the pleura have been published. Symptoms of bronchitis, often on the basis of bronchiectases, are the most commonly observed pulmonary problems in this inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, abnormal pulmonary functions have been found even in asymptomatic patients. Our patient was treated with oral and topical corticosteroids. The symptoms disappeared and pulmonary function returned to normal.