Drug-Related Gastric Perforation Secondary to Prolonged Febuxostat Administration: A Case Report

Febuxostat, a selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is regarded as the first-line therapeutic option for gout and hyperuricemia. With its extensive application, there has been a growing number of reports regarding associated adverse reactions. In this case, a 71-year-old male patient, who had been under long-term febuxostat treatment for gout, was admitted to the hospital approximately one year later due to persistent upper abdominal pain. Abdominal CT imaging revealed thickening of the gastric antrum wall, accompanied by peripheral exudation and the presence of free gas in the abdominal cavity, which was diagnosed as gastric perforation. After excluding other potential causative factors of gastric perforation, the serious adverse reaction potentially induced by febuxostat was taken into consideration.