Hyperthyroidism and ulcerative colitis: report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Two cases of coexisting ulcerative colitis and hyperthyroidism are discussed. In both patients, thyrotoxicosis preceded the development of the ulcerative colitis. Exacerbations of the thyroid disease led to exacerbations of ulcerative colitis and consequent difficulty in the management of the patients. Although a review of the literature reveals a possible connection with abnormalities of iodine metabolism in the ulcerative colitis patient, no definite conclusions are drawn.