An atypical case of chronic diarrhoea: olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Sep 14:2015:bcr2015212318. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-212318.

Abstract

Olmesartan use has been associated with chronic diarrhoea and weight loss due to severe sprue-like enteropathy, yet this is still not well known among clinicians. We present the unique case of an 84-year-old Filipino woman diagnosed with olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy after an extensive work up for chronic diarrhoea, and without improvement despite multiple empiric treatments for nearly 15 months. Withdrawal of olmesartan resulted in clinical and histological improvement. This case provides further evidence for olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy, and emphasises the importance of its awareness and recognition among gastroenterologists and primary care physicians alike.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrophy
  • Celiac Disease* / pathology
  • Diarrhea / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / adverse effects*
  • Intestinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Intestinal Diseases / pathology
  • Intestines / pathology*
  • Olmesartan Medoxomil / adverse effects*
  • Tetrazoles / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Tetrazoles
  • Olmesartan Medoxomil
  • olmesartan