Case Report
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Apr 16, 2013; 5(4): 180-185
Published online Apr 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i4.180
Ischemic colitis induced by the newly reformulated multicomponent weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut®
Muhammed Sherid, Salih Samo, Samian Sulaiman, Joseph H Gaziano
Muhammed Sherid, Joseph H Gaziano, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL 61071, United States
Salih Samo, Samian Sulaiman, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 61071, United States
Author contributions: Sherid M contributed to study design, literature review, data collection, data analysis, initial manuscript writing, manuscript review, approval of final version; Samo S, Sulaiman S and Gaziano JH contributed to study design, literature review, data collection, data analysis, manuscript review, approval of final version; Samo S is a first co-author.
Correspondence to: Muhammed Sherid, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, CGH Medical Center, 100 East LeFevre Road, Sterling, IL 61071, United States. muhammedsherid@yahoo.com
Telephone: +1-224-4200229 Fax: +1-815-6252747
Received: October 3, 2012
Revised: November 30, 2012
Accepted: December 15, 2012
Published online: April 16, 2013
Abstract

Ischemic colitis accounts for 6%-18% of causes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. It is more often multifactorial and more common in elderly. Drugs are considered important causative agents of this disease with different mechanisms. In this paper, we describe a 37-year-old otherwise healthy female presented with sudden onset diffuse abdominal pain and bloody stool. Radiologic, colonoscopic and histopathologic findings were all consistent with ischemic colitis. Her only suspected factor was hydroxycut which she had been taking for a period of 1 mo prior to her presentation. Her condition improved uneventfully after cessation of hydroxycut, bowel rest, intravenous hydration, and antibiotics. This is a first case of ischemic colitis with clear relationship with hydroxycut use (Naranjo score of 7). Our case demonstrates the importance of questioning patients regarding the usage of dietary supplements; especially since many patients consider them safe and do not disclose their use voluntarily to their physicians. Hydroxycut has to be considered as a potential trigger for otherwise unexplained ischemic colitis.

Keywords: Hydroxycut, Weight-loss supplement, Herbal, Ischemic colitis, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Colonoscopy