Sonographic and Endoscopic Findings in Cocaine-Induced Ischemic Colitis.

Thomas Leth,Ole K Bonderup,Rune Wilkens

doi:10.1155/2015/680937

Abstract

Cocaine-induced ischemic colitis is a recognized entity. The diagnosis is based on clinical and endoscopic findings. However, diagnostic imaging is helpful in the evaluation of abdominal symptoms and prior studies have suggested specific sonographic findings in ischemic colitis. We report sonographic and endoscopic images along with abdominal computed tomography in a case of cocaine-induced ischemic colitis.

Highlights

Ischemic colitis predominantly occurs in elderly patients with atherosclerosis or diabetes [1]
We describe a case of cocaine-induced ischemic colitis where the diagnosis was suggested based on an abdominal ultrasound
Appendicitis was suspected and the patient was referred to an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed a typical case of isolated right sided ischemic colitis (Figure 1(a))

Summary

Introduction

Ischemic colitis predominantly occurs in elderly patients with atherosclerosis or diabetes [1]. Cocaine is a potent vasoconstrictor and cocaine-induced ischemic colitis has previously been reported in the literature [2]. The condition must be considered in patients with abdominal pain and current cocaine abuse. Abdominal CT-scan is typically the choice of diagnostic imaging in patients with acute, abdominal pain; ultrasound plays an increasing role in this situation [3]. Attention to any pathological change in the intestine at ultrasound is essential. We describe a case of cocaine-induced ischemic colitis where the diagnosis was suggested based on an abdominal ultrasound

Medical Case History

Discussion

Conflict of Interests