Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced diaphragms and ulceration in the colon

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2002 Nov;14(11):1265-9. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200211000-00017.

Abstract

The toxic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the small bowel have been reported extensively. A growing number of reports of toxic effects of NSAIDs on the colon have appeared recently. The clinical presentation, endoscopic appearances and histological findings of so-called NSAID colopathy are quite varied, as illustrated by a series of four patients described in this report. Presenting symptoms and signs in this series include iron-deficiency anaemia and crampy abdominal pain, but alteration of bowel habit, weight loss, and even nausea and vomiting have also been described. One patient in this series has large-bowel diaphragms, considered by some to be pathognomonic of NSAID effects. Each of the four patients had right-sided colonic lesions only, possibly supporting a direct toxic effect of NSAIDs. Management usually involves simply stopping the offending NSAID. A review of the literature on this under-recognized entity is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Colonic Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ulcer / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal