Complete resolution of refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura after colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a destructive thrombocytopenia caused by an autoantibody directed to platelet membrane antigens. Various immunological diseases have been associated with ITP, but an association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ITP is not well recognised. We report a case of refractory immune thrombocytopenia associated with ulcerative colitis that resolved after colectomy. Although the medical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease or splenectomy are usually enough to treat ITP, it may be necessary to do a colectomy in refractory patients.