Ulcerative colitis complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

We have reported the rare association of severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia with active ulcerative colitis, and added to the sparse published recommendations concerning management. Although aggressive medical therapy resulted in only partial control of the inflammatory bowel disease and hemolysis, both disorders remitted rapidly after panproctocolectomy and splenectomy. Autologous red cells were safely transfused during surgery.