ISCHEMIC COLITIS AND ACQUIRED-RESISTANCE TO ACTIVATED PROTEIN-C IN A WOMAN USING ORAL-CONTRACEPTIVES

We present the case history of a 22-yr-old woman diagnosed with ischem ic colitis associated with the use of oral contraceptives (OC), At the time of her presenting symptoms activated protein C (APC) resistance, a risk factor for thrombosis, was demonstrated. There was no laborato ry evidence of inherited thrombophilia; that is, antithrombin III, pro tein C and protein S levels were normal and the factor V Leiden mutati on was not present. The OC were discontinued and the patient's symptom s improved. Subsequent evaluation revealed that the activated protein C resistance had resolved. This case illustrates APC resistance as a p otential link between OC use and its known association with ischemic c olitis. (Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93:1960-1962, (C) 1998 by Am. Cell. o f Gastroenterology).