title: Relapsing ulcerative colitis associated with spinal cord stimulation.
abstract: Spinal cord stimulation is an increasingly popular form of pain treatment. An electrode positioned on the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord at the level of the nerve roots from the painful area stimulates the spinal cord. Current from the electrode is supplied by a pulse generator in the lower anterior abdominal wall. Spinal cord stimulation has not previously been associated with ulcerative colitis. A man with left-sided ulcerative colitis in remission experienced two successive relapses related to the use of a spinal cord stimulation system. After removal of the system, remission returned and remained. This case suggests that electrical current may influence the course of ulcerative colitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Department of Anaesthesiology, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands. mkeml@shee.azm.nl
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kemler
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Barendse
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Kleef
mesh_terms: D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000209:etiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D010166:Palliative Care; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*