Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
07:05
Visualization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Mesenteric Venules After Mesenteric Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Intravital Microscopy
Published on: September 27, 2024
388
A Rare Case of Methamphetamine-Induced Diffuse Gastrointestinal Ischemia
Nicole Johnsen1, Andrew Chang2, Kelley Chuang2
1Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
Cureus
|February 4, 2025
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of methamphetamine-induced gastrointestinal ischemia. Early recognition of this condition is crucial for patients with stimulant use disorders experiencing acute abdominal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Methamphetamine use is associated with cardiovascular and neurological issues, but its gastrointestinal effects are less understood.
- Methamphetamine-induced gastrointestinal ischemia is a rare but severe complication with limited documented cases.
- Stimulant use disorders represent a significant public health concern requiring comprehensive medical understanding.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male with a history of alcohol use disorder and prior methamphetamine use presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and hematemesis.
- Laboratory tests revealed acute anemia and positive urine amphetamine toxicology.
- Computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated distal esophageal and stomach wall thickening.
Findings:
- Endoscopic examination revealed diffuse ulcerations in the distal esophagus and post-pyloric region.
- Pathological findings confirmed methamphetamine-induced gastrointestinal ischemia.
- The patient's symptoms and diagnostic findings were consistent with this rare complication.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of considering methamphetamine-induced gastrointestinal ischemia in patients with stimulant use disorders presenting with acute abdominal symptoms.
- Prompt diagnosis can facilitate targeted patient counseling and management strategies.
- Increased awareness may improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
172
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
172
01:28Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
243
Prokinetic agents are specialized medications that stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, promoting food movement through the GI tract. Dopamine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process, reducing GI motility and indirectly controlling the speed of digestion. Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, offer a unique advantage as prokinetic agents. By blocking the dopamine receptors, these drugs increase GI motility, improving food...
243
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
177
Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Adsorbents...
177
01:25Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology
415
Multiple disease states can significantly influence the oral drug absorption process by affecting blood flow and the functionality of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Various GI diseases, including conditions that alter GI motility, such as diarrhea, decreased acid secretions (achlorhydria), and infections, have been associated with reduced drug absorption.
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
415
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
248
Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
248
01:18Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
106
Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
106