ANCA antibodies in ulcerative colitis with coexisting extraintestinal symptoms

ANCA associated vasculitis are a group of connec­tive tissue diseases characterized by a very variable course and clinical presentation. Diagnosis is dif­ficult and complications can lead to disabilities or even death. Standard management often requires long-term immunosuppressive therapy and cortico­steroids. ANCA antibodies can be considered as an important biomarker in the diagnosis of this group of vasculitis. However, it is important to remember that there are other diseases where ANCA antibodies can be detected. Ulcerative colitis is one of these diseases and its extra-intestinal symptoms can imitate vas­culitis. Presented case report shows diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties occurring in this set of patients