Aphthous ulcers in ischemic gastroenterocolitis: a case report.

Extensive occlusive mesenteric vascular disease is described in a 41-year-old man, resulting in aphthous ulcers of the stomach, small bowel, and colon. Ischemic disease was confirmed angiographically and ultimately by surgical intervention. No evidence of inflammatory bowel disease was detected. Occlusive vascular disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of aphthous ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. The risks of angiography may be warranted in the presence of atypical and unresponsive inflammatory bowel disease, especially when it coexists with vascular disease elsewhere.