Recurrent Pericarditis: A Rare Adverse Effect of Mesalamine
Pratul Karki1, Ariya Kunwar2, Nitish Sharma3
1Internal Medicine, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, Seattle, USA.
Cureus
|February 15, 2023
Summary
Mesalamine, used for inflammatory bowel disease, can rarely cause pericarditis. Stopping the medication led to complete resolution in a patient with recurrent pericarditis, highlighting the importance of considering this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Mesalamine is a common treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Cardiac inflammation, including pericarditis, is a rare but serious side effect of mesalamine.
- IBD patients may experience extra-intestinal cardiac manifestations, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old female with ulcerative colitis on mesalamine presented with chest pain and dyspnea.
- Initial diagnosis suggested rheumatoid-associated pericarditis, but symptoms recurred.
- Mesalamine was identified as a potential cause upon readmission.
Findings:
- The patient experienced recurrent pericarditis initially suspected to be autoimmune-related.
- Discontinuation of mesalamine resulted in complete resolution of pericarditis symptoms.
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by mesalamine-induced cardiac inflammation.
Implications:
- Prompt recognition of mesalamine-induced pericarditis is crucial for preventing adverse cardiovascular events.
- Considering mesalamine as a cause for pericarditis in IBD patients is essential.
- Early intervention can lead to favorable outcomes and avoid disease progression.
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