Giant Gastric Antral Ulcer Developing After Short-Term NSAID Administration

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain and inflammation.
• Loxoprofen sodium hydrate is a prodrug NSAID.
• Gastric ulcers are a known side effect of NSAID use.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old man presented with melena after a 5-day course of loxoprofen sodium hydrate for an upper respiratory infection.
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a giant, deeply undermined gastric ulcer in the antrum.
• The patient was negative for Helicobacter pylori infection.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with an acute gastric ulcer induced by NSAID use.
• Giant gastric ulcers are rare, particularly those associated with short-term NSAID administration.
• This case demonstrates a rare instance of a huge gastric ulcer developing after brief NSAID exposure.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe gastrointestinal complications, including giant gastric ulcers, even with short-term NSAID use.
• This case underscores the importance of considering NSAID-induced gastropathy in patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanisms behind rare, rapid-onset giant ulcer formation with NSAIDs.