Ischemic bowel: uncommon imaging findings in a case of cocaine enteropathy

J Radiol Case Rep. 2013 Feb 1;7(2):38-43. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v7i2.1240. Print 2013 Feb.

Abstract

While the clinical findings of cocaine-induced enteropathy from mesenteric ischemia are fairly well understood, there is a paucity of imaging description and detail in the literature that describes these findings. Imaging characteristics of cocaine-induced mesenteric ischemia on CT examination include bowel edema, mucosal enhancement, venous engorgement, mesenteric free fluid, and dilatation of the small bowel lumen. A thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory testing are critical for the diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention may be necessary. We present a case of cocaine-induced mesenteric ischemia in a 49 year old male which resolved within 24 hours of supportive therapy.

Keywords: Cocaine Enteritis; Cocaine Enteropathy; Enteritis; Enteropathy; Mesenteric Ischemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / therapy
  • Directive Counseling
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ischemia / therapy
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Examination
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Cocaine