A rare chronic hematologic disorder characterized by the simultaneous or sequential association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA; a disorder in which auto-antibodies are directed against red blood cells causing anemia of varying degrees of severity) with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP; a coagulation disorder in which auto-antibodies are directed against platelets causing hemorrhagic episodes) and occasionally autoimmune neutropenia, in the absence of a known underlying etiology.
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, in the colon. The main symptom of active disease is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset and intermittent periods of exacerbated symptoms contrasting with periods that are relatively symptom-free. In contrast to Crohn's disease this special form of colitis begins in the distal parts of the rectum, spreads continually upwards and affects only mucose and submucose tissue of the colon.