Isotretinoin and ulcerative colitis: A case report and review of the literature

World J Gastrointest Surg. 2014 Jul 27;6(7):142-5. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v6.i7.142.

Abstract

This case report describes a case of ulcerative colitis the onset of which occurred after the use of isotretinoin for acne treatment. Our patient, a healthy male young adult, after several months of isotretinoin use, developed gastrointestinal disorders and after thorough medical workup was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The literature regarding a possible correlation between isotretinoin use and ulcerative colitis is scarce. Nevertheless, recent epidemiological studies have shed more light on this possible association.

Keywords: Acne; Heroin addiction; Inflammatory bowel disease; Isotretinoin; Ulcerative colitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports