Ischemic colitis following colonoscopy in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient: report of a case.
BACKGROUND
Ischemic colitis is an uncommon complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus but may be precipitated by colonoscopy.


METHODS
A 43-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus under treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and prednisone was submitted to colonoscopy because of a change in bowel habit. Apart from the presence of a small metaplastic polyp, colonoscopy showed only a few erythematosus areas in the sigma and left colon. Four hours after colonoscopy, the patient developed lower colic abdominal pain and mucous diarrhea followed by rectal bleeding from ischemic colitis. The patient was successfully treated with fluids, spasmolytic drugs, sodic heparin, antibiotics and enteral feeding.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness of the risk of this potential complication, secondary to colonoscopy, in patients with connective tissue disorders may lead to a prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, with a successful outcome.
Versaci
Antonino
A
Emergency Surgery Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Macrì
Antonio
A
Scuderi
Giuseppe
G
Bartolone
Sebastiano
S
Familiari
Luigi
L
Lupattelli
Tommaso
T
Famulari
Ciro
C
D000328:Adult; D017091:Colitis, Ischemic / Q000209:etiology*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents