Microscopic Colitis Secondary to Leflunomide: A Case Report

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2024 Jun 11

PMID 38860081

Authors

Mohamed A Ebrahim

Eli A Zaher

Parth Patel

Daria Zaher

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Microscopic colitis (MC) is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea that requires histological examination for diagnosis. Here, we present a case of a 63-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis who developed persistent diarrhea following leflunomide initiation. Despite a normal colonoscopy, random colonic biopsies confirmed MC. Discontinuation of leflunomide led to symptom resolution, implicating it as the causative agent. Leflunomide-induced MC is exceedingly rare, with limited documented cases. Understanding its variability in presentation and timely recognition is crucial. This case underscores the importance of thorough medication history assessment and consideration of drug-induced colitis in patients presenting with unexplained diarrhea, facilitating prompt management and resolution.

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