Intest Res.  2011 Dec;9(3):230-233. 10.5217/ir.2011.9.3.230.

A Case of Right Side Ischemic Colitis Associated with Herbal Medication for Weight Reduction in a Young Woman

• Kim NJ
• Kim CH
• Cho JH
• Ko SM
• Min BH

• KMID: 2284952
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2011.9.3.230

Abstract

Ischemic colitis has a relatively high prevalence in the elderly population with underlying vascular disorders such as hypertension and usually occurs on the left side of the colon. However, ischemic colitis also rarely occurs in healthy young adults with no risk factors. Herbal medication use is increasing, particularly for weight loss. Ischemic colitis associated with herbal medication use has been rarely reported. Here, we describe a case of right-sided ischemic colitis in a young woman that was potentially linked to the use of herbal medication. An 18-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea for 1 day. Her medical history was unremarkable for bowel ischemia risk factors. However, she had taken herbal medication for weight loss for the past 2 weeks. Abdominopelvic CT showed diffuse wall thickening with decreased mucosal enhancement from the ascending to the transverse colon. A colonoscopic biopsy specimen showed coagulative necrosis of the mucosa, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The abdominopelvic CT, colonoscopy, and biopsy findings were compatible with ischemic colitis. Her abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea improved completely with conservative management, and she was advised to discontinue the use of herbal medications.

Keyword

Colitis, Ischemic; Herbal Medication; Young Woman

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Adolescent
Aged
Biopsy
Colitis, Ischemic
Colon
Colon, Transverse
Colonoscopy
Diarrhea
Emergencies
Female
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hypertension
Ischemia
Mucous Membrane
Necrosis
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Weight Loss
Young Adult