[A case of pseudomembranous colitis associated with rifampicin therapy in a patient with rectal cancer and gastrointestinal tuberculosis].

Abstract

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is known to be associated with the administration of antibiotics which alter normal gastrointestinal flora and allow overgrowth of Clostridium difficile. Most cases of rifampicin-induced PMC are seen in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, but not with gastrointestinal tuberculosis. We report a case of PMC associated with rifampicin therapy in a patient with gastrointestinal tuberculosis. A 65-year-old female patient with rectal cancer and gastrointestinal tuberculosis was admitted due to abdominal pain and diarrhea. She was treated with anti-tuberculosis agents containing rifampicin. On colonoscopic examination, mucoid exudates and yellowish plaque lesions were observed. Anti-tuberculosis agents were stopped, and the patient was treated with metronidazole. Symptoms were relieved and did not recur when all the anti-tuberculosis agents except rifampicin were started again. When a patient complains of abdominal pain or diarrhea while taking rifampicin, the physician should consider the possibility of rifampicin-associated PMC.

• Authors: Yong Jun Choi, Hyung Gil Kim, Yun Ah Choi, Woo Chul Joo, Dong Wook Son, Chul Hyun Kim, Yong Woon Shin, Young Soo Kim
• Journal: The Korean journal of gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe chi (Korean J Gastroenterol) Vol. 53 Issue 1 Pg. 53-6 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1598-9992 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 19158472 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibiotics, Antitubercular
• Rifampin

Topics

• Aged
• Antibiotics, Antitubercular (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous (diagnosis, etiology, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Rectal Neoplasms (complications, diagnosis)
• Rifampin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)