Hydroxyurea associated ileocecal valve ulcer: evidence for causality.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hematology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hydroxyurea is a common antimetabolite drug for hematological disorders.
• Gastrointestinal ulceration is a rare but reported side effect of hydroxyurea therapy.

Observation:

• A 73-year-old woman developed an isolated ileocecal valve ulcer while on hydroxyurea for essential thrombocythemia.
• The ulcer healed after switching to anagrelide but recurred upon resuming hydroxyurea.

Findings:

• This case highlights a rare association between hydroxyurea and non-oral gastrointestinal ulcers.
• The pathophysiology of hydroxyurea-induced non-oral gastrointestinal ulcers remains unclear.
• Drug withdrawal is typically associated with ulcer resolution.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of this rare side effect is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
• Prompt recognition can prevent potential complications associated with gastrointestinal ulcers.
• Further research into the mechanism of hydroxyurea-induced gastrointestinal ulceration is warranted.