Cocaine-induced ischemic colitis in a high-risk patient treated conservatively

• Published in: Gastroenterología y hepatología Vol. 34; no. 1; p. 20
• Main Authors: Fabra, Isabel, Roig, José Vicente, Sancho, Cristina, Mir-Labrador, José, Sempere, Javier, García-Ferrer, Luis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Adult; Cocaine - toxicity; Colitis, Ischemic - chemically induced; Colitis, Ischemic - therapy; Humans; Male; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 0210-5705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2010.10.005

Drug consumption is among the non-occlusive causes of ischemic colitis. We report a case of cocaine-induced ischemic colitis in a 34-year-old man who had undergone sigmoid resection and loop colostomy due to abdominal-pelvic injury 3 months previously. The patient presented with abdominal pain associated with diarrhea and slight transient fever of doubtful etiology and reported intranasal cocaine consumption. He was hemodynamically stable and showed no peritoneal irritation. Traces of blood were found in the colostomy bag. Colonoscopy showed ulcers and necrosis proximal to the stoma. Computed tomography angiography scan showed no abnormalities except filiform inferior mesenteric artery. The symptoms were self-limiting and the patient was discharged 3 days after admission. Subsequently the colostomy was closed without complications. A high degree of suspicion is required in young patients with abdominal pain not identified by conventional methods and a recent history of drug consumption.