Ischaemic colitis from an unusual cause: oral contraceptives

Abstract

Ischaemic colitis is responsible for more than half of the presentations of gastrointestinal ischaemia and develops due to an interruption of intestinal blood flow. Risk factors include increasing age and conditions associated with decreased perfusion. Infrequently, ischaemic colitis may develop in young females prescribed oral contraceptives. Here, we present a case of ischaemic colitis secondary to oral contraceptives that resolved with medication discontinuation.

Keywords

• ischaemic colitis
• oral contraceptives
• gastrointestinal ischaemia
• haematochezia