Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced colopathy: an uncommon cause of positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test in the program for colorectal cancer screening

Brigita Smolović; Ljiljana Vučković; Sanja Borozan; Batrić  Vukčevič

doi:10.2298/VSP181004004S

Brigita Smolović University of Montenegro, Faculty of Medicine, Podgorica, Montenegro
Ljiljana Vučković University of Montenegro, Faculty of Medicine, Podgorica, Montenegro
Sanja Borozan Department of Endocrinology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Batrić Vukčevič Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro,Podgorica, Montenegro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP181004004S

Keywords: colorectal neoplasms;, diagnosis;, feces;, occult blood;, colonic diseases;, anti-inflammatory agents;, treatment outcome

Abstract

Introduction. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced colopathy is an uncommon condition associated with the long-term use of enteric-coated and slow-release nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This paper presents a case of colopathy showing no symptoms or signs, discovered by a positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test. Case report. Performed within the framework of the National Program for Screening of Colorectal Cancer, the immunochemical faecal occult blood test was positive in a 56-year-old female patient. The colonoscopy revealed three lesions in the right colon: one erosion-ulceration and two concentric "diaphragm-like" strictures passable by the endoscope. The patient reported that she had been taking diclofenac 100 mg twice a day for the past seven years. After withdrawing the offending drug, the second colonoscopy indicated a marked improvement in the colonic mucosa while the "diaphragm-like" strictures persisted. Conclusion. The cases of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced colopathy are likely to become more frequent. It would be, therefore, advisable to consider the long-term use of such drugs as being a possible factor that leads to mucosal injury, particularly in the right colon, as well as being a rare reason for a positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test.

Author Biography

Ljiljana Vučković, University of Montenegro, Faculty of Medicine, Podgorica, Montenegro

Department of Patology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro

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