Methyldopa-induced colitis in a patient with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

A 76-year-old man with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis complicated by methyldopa-induced colitis is reported. Eight months after administration of methyldopa, mucous bloody stool was noted. A barium enema examination showed disappearance of haustra and a spastic rectosigmoid with pseudo-polyposis. Biopsy specimens obtained from the sigmoid mucosa revealed interstitial edema and small inflammatory cells. After cessation of methyldopa treatment, the sigmoid findings, blood pressure, and proteinuria were improved, suggesting that methyldopa not only induced the acute colitis but also worsened the nephrotic syndrome in this patient.