Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced strictures of the colon - Report of a case and review of the literature

The phenomenon of strictures of the colon induced by nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs is a newly recognized pathologic entity that has gained litt le exposure in the surgical literature to date. A further case is reported and the clinical features of this entity are discussed. Most patients prese nt with symptoms suggestive of malignancy, namely anemia, obstructive sympt oms, or weight loss. Pathologic changes are characterized by diaphragm-like strictures with submucosal fibrosis. Surgical resection to exclude maligna ncy and treat symptoms along with cessation of the nonsteroidal anti-inflam matory drug is the treatment of choice.