ILEAL PERFORATION AND ACUTE PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are rare, but can be impactful for patients. Some GI processes are directly related to RA, whereas others may be sequelae of treatment or caused by concomitant autoimmune diseases. This article discusses the role of the GI tract in RA pathogenesis; the presentation, epidemiology, and diagnosis of RA-related GI manifestations; concomitant GI autoimmune diseases that may affect those with RA; and GI side effects of RA treatment. The importance of appropriately considering conditions unrelated to RA in the differential diagnosis when evaluating new GI symptoms in patients with RA is noted.

Recurrent perforation of the ileum

Ulceration of the small intestine is rare, perforation of such ulcers is also rare, and repeated perforation is still rarer. A case with this history is presented, and the aetiology of such cases briefly discussed, as the current literature gives a varied emphasis regarding the important causes of ulceration of the small intestine.