Ischemic Bowel: Uncommon Imaging Findings in a Case of Cocaine Enteropathy

Abstract

While the clinical findings of cocaine-induced enteropathy from mesenteric ischemia are fairly well understood, there is a paucity of imaging description and detail in the literature that describes these findings.  Imaging characteristics of cocaine-induced mesenteric ischemia on CT examination include bowel edema, mucosal enhancement, venous engorgement, mesenteric free fluid, and dilatation of the small bowel lumen.  A thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory testing are critical for the diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention may be necessary.  We present a case of cocaine-induced mesenteric ischemia in a 49 year old male which resolved within 24 hours of supportive therapy.