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. CASE REPORT: 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.