[Terlipressin and reversible intestinal ischaemia]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Terlipressin is a vasopressin analogue widely used for acute oesophageal variceal bleeding.
• It is generally regarded as safe with fewer ischemic side effects than vasopressin.

Observation:

• A patient treated with terlipressin developed reversible ischemia of the colon and small intestine.
• This was identified during an exploratory celiotomy.

Findings:

• The observed intestinal ischemia was reversible.
• The patient did not require intestinal resection and recovered fully.

Implications:

• While terlipressin is effective, clinicians should be aware of potential ischemic complications.
• Careful patient monitoring may be necessary to detect and manage such adverse events promptly.