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Ischemic colitis related to cocaine abuse
D N Brown1, M J Rosenholtz, J B Marshall
1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Cocaine use can cause serious cardiovascular issues and intestinal ischemia. This case highlights a diabetic patient with perforated ischemic colitis following recreational cocaine use, emphasizing its diagnostic importance.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cocaine use is linked to cardiovascular complications like myocardial infarction.
- Emerging reports associate cocaine use with ischemic events in the small bowel and colon.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old diabetic male presented with ischemic colitis complicated by perforation.
- The patient's condition occurred after recreational cocaine use, which was initially undisclosed.
- Unique factors included the patient's age and pre-existing diabetes mellitus.
Findings:
- Cocaine abuse should be considered in acute intestinal vascular insufficiency diagnoses.
- A negative arteriogram prompted further patient history, revealing cocaine use.
- Literature review on drug-induced intestinal ischemia was conducted.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider cocaine abuse in patients with acute intestinal ischemia.
- Early identification of cocaine use is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- This case underscores the severe gastrointestinal complications of cocaine abuse.