Ischemic Colitis Caused by Terlipressin during Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Terlipressin, a vasopressin agonist, is widely used to treat variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis. Terlipressin increases systemic vascular resistance, particularly in the splanchnic area, thus decreasing portal pressure. Although terlipressin is associated with a lower incidence of severe cardiovascular complications than is vasopressin, terlipressin can induce serious ischemic complications including myocardial infarction, skin necrosis, and bowel ischemia in < 1% of patients. We report the case of a 79-year-old female with liver cirrhosis treated with terlipressin to control hepatorenal syndrome that developed into ischemic colitis. The patient improved upon cessation of terlipressin and provision of supportive care.