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Published on: February 28, 2018

Possible mesalamine-induced pericarditis: case report and literature review

Robert A Waite1, Jennifer M Malinowski

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18766, USA.

Pharmacotherapy
|March 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Mesalamine can rarely cause pericarditis, a chest pain condition. Patients taking mesalamine or sulfasalazine with chest pain should be evaluated for this rare drug complication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, often presenting with chest pain and dyspnea.
  • Mesalamine and sulfasalazine are commonly prescribed medications for inflammatory bowel disease.

Observation:

  • A 41-year-old woman developed sharp, pleuritic chest pain radiating down both arms, exacerbated by lying down.
  • The patient was taking mesalamine 800 mg three times daily for three weeks prior to admission.

Findings:

  • Clinical presentation and electrocardiogram findings confirmed pericarditis.
  • Myocardial infarction, systemic lupus erythematosus, and infectious causes were ruled out.
  • Mesalamine-induced pericarditis was suspected, and the drug was discontinued.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider mesalamine or sulfasalazine as potential causes of pericarditis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
  • Awareness of this rare drug-induced complication is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.

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