What condition is strongly associated with ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is closely associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disorder characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. The relationship between these two conditions is significant because PSC is more commonly seen in patients with ulcerative colitis than in the general population.

This association may stem from underlying immune dysregulation, as both conditions involve abnormal immune responses. In patients with ulcerative colitis, the risk of developing PSC increases, and patients with PSC often have an underlying inflammatory bowel disease, primarily ulcerative colitis. Recognizing this connection is important in clinical practice, as it can influence monitoring and management strategies.

In contrast, while other conditions mentioned may have some associations with inflammatory diseases, they do not have the same level of direct correlation with ulcerative colitis as primary sclerosing cholangitis does. For instance, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease are autoimmune conditions that can occur alongside ulcerative colitis, but they are not as strongly linked as PSC.