Related Experiment Videos
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like enalapril may cause acute abdominal pain. This unrecognized adverse effect resolved after discontinuing the medication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely prescribed for hypertension and heart failure.
- Adverse effects are typically well-documented, but rare or unrecognized side effects may still emerge.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman experienced recurrent episodes of acute abdominal pain over five years.
- Pain onset occurred approximately 24 hours after initiating or continuing enalapril therapy.
Findings:
- The abdominal pain episodes were temporally associated with enalapril use.
- Symptom resolution occurred within 3 to 5 days of enalapril withdrawal, with recurrence upon re-challenge.
Implications:
- This case suggests acute abdominal pain as a potential, unrecognized adverse effect of enalapril.
- Clinicians should consider ACE inhibitors in the differential diagnosis of unexplained acute abdominal pain.
- Further investigation may be warranted to elucidate the mechanism of this adverse reaction.