title: Toxic megacolon associated with methotrexate therapy.
abstract: We describe the case of a patient with psoriasis who developed severe colitis, with toxic megacolon, after a course of treatment with methotrexate. The duration of her colitis, which was eventually resolved by using conservative measures, was far greater than that of other drug-related complications, which included bone marrow depression, jaundice, and renal failure. The literature pertaining to this rare manifestation of methotrexate toxicity is reviewed. A prolonged illness and relative sparing of the distal colon appear to be characteristic of this form of colitis.
mesh_terms: D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008532:Megacolon, Toxic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate