RESUMEN
Terminal ileitis is a common condition defined as inflammation of the terminal portion of the ileum, which is typically associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), classically Crohn's disease (CD). However, it can have other etiologies, including drug-induced ones. Isotretinoin is an effective and commonly used treatment for acne vulgaris, presenting multiple adverse effects. There have been discussions over its association with enteric inflammation, particularly over IBD emergence risk. We report a case of a previously healthy 17-year-old female who presented transitory clinical, laboratory, imaging, and endoscopic evidence of distal ileitis, temporally related to extended isotretinoin treatment and mimicking CD. Repeated clinical, laboratory, imaging, and endoscopic reassessment after isotretinoin discontinuation confirmed an almost complete resolution of the condition, avoiding IBD misdiagnosis and specific medication initiation. Our case highlights the differential diagnosis of ileitis as being of critical importance to avoid further unnecessary diagnostic investigations and inadequate treatment. Serial re-evaluation may be of key importance to reach a final diagnosis. Although recent literature suggests that isotretinoin is not associated with an increased IBD risk, our case highlights the possibility of it inducing small bowel injury and inflammation, similar to what has been reported with other drugs.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare acquired disorder, which in the present case had an acute and unusual way of presentation. CASE REPORT: We present a 17-year-old female with nausea, vomiting, and intense epigastric pain. In the previous 6 months, she had lost 42% of her body weight. The echography showed a distended stomach that reached the pelvis, and the nasogastric tube that was placed drained 2,000 mL. A computed tomography scan confirmed the SMAS diagnosis. She started a hypercaloric fractionated meal diet, prokinetics, and postural measures. After the 1-year follow-up the patient is asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: This acute presentation is rare but life-threatening due to the possibility of gastric rupture. Medical management is possible in the majority of cases, and surgery is needed only in the refractory ones.
INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior (SAMS) é uma patologia rara sendo o caso clínico que publicamos relevante devido à sua apresentação aguda e grave. CASO CLÍNICO: Adolescente de 17 anos, com quadro de náuseas, vómitos e dor epigástrica intensa. História pregressa de perda ponderal correspondente a 42% do peso corporal em 6 meses. Realizou ecografia abdominal que mostrou distensão do estômago até à pelve. Colocada sonda nasogástrica com drenagem de 2,000 mL de conteúdo alimentar. Confirmado diagnóstico de SMAS por TC, iniciou regime hipercalórico fracionado via oral, procinéticos e medidas posturais com resolução do quadro. A doente é seguida em consulta externa há um ano e está assintomática. CONCLUSÃO: Esta apresentação aguda é rara e grave devido à possibilidade de rutura gástrica. O tratamento médico é possível na maioria das vezes, estando a cirurgia reservada para os casos refratários.
