Recreational ketamine-induced cholangiopathy and ulcerative cystitis

Abstract

Ketamine is a versatile analgesic that has become an increasingly popular recreational drug. Chronic ketamine use has been found to cause biliary duct damage and bladder dysfunction. Ketamine-induced cholangiopathy and ulcerative cystitis are uncommon diagnoses presenting with nonspecific symptoms, creating diagnostic challenges for emergency physicians. We report a case of a teenage patient with the rare simultaneous presentation of ketamine-induced cholangiopathy and ulcerative cystitis. Due to increased recreational and chronic ketamine use, cases of ketamine-induced cholangiopathy and ulcerative cystitis are likely to rise with the increased knowledge, awareness, and reporting of these entities by radiologists and emergency physicians.

Keywords: Cholangiopathy; Ketamine; Ulcerative cystitis.