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Severe ischemic colitis following olanzapine use - A case report
Samuel R Fernandes1, Rosa Alves2, Luís Araújo Correia3
1Gastrenterologia e Hepatologia, Hospital Santa Maria, Portugal.
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Neuroleptics like olanzapine can cause ischemic colitis, a serious intestinal condition. This case highlights the need for clinicians to recognize and manage this rare but potentially fatal side effect.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic colitis, a common intestinal ischemia subtype, typically stems from vascular issues.
- Neuroleptics are rarely associated with ischemic colitis, potentially via receptor blockade leading to gastrointestinal paresis.
Observation:
- A young patient presented with severe ischemic colitis necessitating surgical intervention due to bowel necrosis.
- Other potential causes for the condition were systematically excluded.
Findings:
- Olanzapine was identified as the likely causative agent for the patient's ischemic colitis.
- The mechanism involves neuroleptic-induced peripheral anticholinergic and antiserotonergic receptor blockade.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be vigilant for neuroleptic-induced ischemic colitis.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal complications.
