Diagnosis of Small Intestinal Diaphragms and Strictures Induced by Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Through Intraoperative Enteroscopy: A Case Study From Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The small intestinal diaphragms are a rare condition characterized by focal or diffuse luminal narrowing in the small intestine. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with the development of small intestinal diaphragms, particularly in long-term and high-dose users. In the current report, a Saudi adult female complained of abnormal bowel motions, which caused severe abdominal pain. She had long-term treatment with NSAID. Systemic and physical examination was unremarkable, apart from poorly localized, nonspecific tenderness to abdominal palpation. Two endoscopic investigations (upper and lower endoscopy) were performed to identify any abnormalities in the digestive system; also, a biopsy was taken for histopathological analysis. In addition, another capsule endoscopy was done to investigate any abnormal bowel motion. The findings of two endoscopic investigations and histopathological analysis of duodenum biopsies revealed different features of small intestinal diaphragms and stricture. The biopsies showed mild chronic inflammation. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy showed multiple strictures and ulcerations in the small bowel. Also, a diffused mucosal erythema of the stomach and a remarkable scar on the third part of the duodenum were detected. That might be due to the excessive use of NSAIDs. The investigations revealed multiple small bowel diaphragmatic stenosis and strictures in the proximal and distal small bowel. These are distinct signs of NSAID-induced small bowel diaphragms and strictures.