Abstract
BackgroundFecal impaction may complicate chronic constipation. We report a fatal case of fecal impaction in a patient treated with long-term neuroleptic treatment.Case presentationA 70-year-old man with a history of severe chronic psychosis treated with olanzapine was admitted to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain and increased abdominal perimeter. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a severe fecal impaction with no sign of peritonitis or acute mesenteric ischemia. The patient eventually died from multi-organ failure 2 days after his admission to the intensive care unit.ConclusionsChronic constipation with fecal impaction is a well-known complication of long-term neuroleptic treatment. Severe forms may be life-threatening. Prevention with systematic administration of laxatives appears of paramount importance.
Highlights
Chronic constipation with fecal impaction is a well-known complication of long-term neuroleptic treatment
Prevention with systematic administration of laxatives appears of paramount importance
Chronic constipation with fecal impaction is a well-known complication of long-term neuroleptic treatment [1, 2]
Summary
Conclusions: Chronic constipation with fecal impaction is a well-known complication of long-term neuroleptic treatment. Prevention with systematic administration of laxatives appears of paramount importance. Case synopsis A 70-year-old man with a history of severe chronic psychosis treated with olanzapine was admitted to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain. He reported the absence of stools for 3 weeks together with an increasing abdominal perimeter. The patient developed severe arterial hypotension requiring ICU admission for vasopressor support.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
