Hydroxyurea-related ileocecal region ulcers as a rare complication: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea, an antimetabolite, is frequently prescribed for various hematological disorders, and its common side effects include gastrointestinal problems, cutaneous or mucosal lesions and pyrexia/fever. CASE SUMMARY This study reports the case of a 67-year-old woman who developed recurrent abdominal pain after 10 years of continuous hydroxyurea therapy for primary thrombocythemia. Colonoscopy revealed an ileocecal ulcer. After discontinuing hydroxyurea therapy for 6 months, follow-up colonoscopy showed a significant reduction in the ulceration. CONCLUSION We consider cecal ulcers as a rare complication of hydroxyurea therapy which typically resolves upon stopping the drug.