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Drug-induced bowel complications and toxicities: imaging findings and pearls

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Abstract

The use of diverse types of drugs can result in a variety of acute and chronic complications that affect almost any organ. The bowel is one of the organs impacted by the side effects of medications. Imaging frequently plays a crucial role in the detection and characterization of complications occurring in the bowel. They include pseudomembranous colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis; angioedema induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy; cocaine toxicity; clozapine-induced hypomobility; and bowel toxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents. It is imperative that radiologists are fully aware of these complications and toxicities as well as the relevant findings. In this way, proper treatment can be implemented immediately. The treatment will involve discontinuation of a drug or a change in regimen.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr. Julajak Limsrivilai for the contribution of this article.

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This was an unfunded study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

    Sitthipong Srisajjakul & Patcharin Prapaisilp

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Pratumtani Hospital, 7 Ladlumkaew Muang district, Pratumtani, 12000, Thailand

    Sirikan Bangchokdee

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  1. Sitthipong Srisajjakul
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Correspondence to Sitthipong Srisajjakul.

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Srisajjakul, S., Prapaisilp, P. & Bangchokdee, S. Drug-induced bowel complications and toxicities: imaging findings and pearls. Abdom Radiol 47, 1298–1310 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-022-03452-1

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