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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug associated diaphragm disease
A McGonigal1, D F Moffat, G B Lindop
1Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|August 1, 1997
Summary
A 78-year-old woman developed anemia and intestinal obstruction due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Surgeons discovered diaphragm disease during an operation, linking NSAIDs to this rare intestinal condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain and inflammation.
- NSAID-induced enteropathy is a known complication, but diaphragm disease is a rare manifestation.
- Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to gastrointestinal complications from NSAIDs.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old female patient presented with symptoms of anemia and intestinal obstruction.
- The patient reported regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Diagnostic laparotomy was performed to investigate the cause of obstruction.
Findings:
- Laparotomy revealed diaphragm disease of the small intestine.
- Diaphragm disease is characterized by multiple, thin, web-like strictures.
- The findings strongly suggest a causal link between chronic NSAID use and the development of diaphragm disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious gastrointestinal complication of NSAID therapy.
- Physicians should consider diaphragm disease in patients with a history of NSAID use presenting with obstructive symptoms.
- Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms by which NSAIDs induce diaphragm disease.