A Case of Ischemic Colitis by Oral Sulfate Free-Polyethylene Glycol

ABSTRACT

Ischemic colitis is the most common form of gastrointestinal ischemia. Factors that can contribute to the development of ischemic colitis include atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, sustained hypovolemia, vasculitis, and mechanical colonic obstruction. Also, pharmacologic agents, including diuretics, pseudoephedrine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and oral contraceptives may be the cause of colonic ischemia. Oral sulfate-free polyethylene glycol (SF-PEG, Colyte-F(R)) has frequently been used as a cleaning agent in bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Some cases of ischemic colitis produced by oral hyperosmotic laxatives have been reported; however, no case has been reported regarding ischemic colitis caused by SF-PEG. Herein we report a rare case of ischemic colitis caused by oral sulfate-free polyethylene glycol, which was given for bowel preparation before colonoscopy in a 70-year-old man with chronic constipation.