Rare cause of acute abdomen–cocaine-induced small intestinal perforation with coexisting lower gastrointestinal bleed: an unusual presentation. Issue 2 (10th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deivasigamani, Sriram; Irrinki, Santhosh; Shah, Jimil; Sakaray, Yashwant
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-10
• Subjects: gastrointestinal surgery -- drugs misuse (including addiction); Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Cocaine, an alkaloid, is an addictive drug and its abuse as a recreational drug is on the increasing side with its associated complications. Gastrointestinal complications, after cocaine abuse, are less known and need to be addressed since the abuse is on the rise and the existing evidence is scarce. We report a case of a 22-year-old male patient who presented with abdominal pain following a cocaine injection. On examination, signs of peritonitis were noted and laparotomy revealed a 2×1 cm perforation in the distal ileum. The unhealthy intestinal segment was resected and taken out as a double-barrel ileostomy. The patient had an episode of severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding on postoperative day 6. CT and colonoscopy revealed signs of ischaemic bowel and tissue biopsy showed oedematous, inflamed and haemorrhagic bowel mucosa. The patient was managed conservatively and is doing well under follow-up in a de-addiction centre.