Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy is an increasingly
recognized entity. Patients of older age and those suffering from conditions such
as arthritis requiring long term NSAIDs are thought to be at greater risk. Introduction
of enteroscopic techniques has greatly improved understanding of NSAID-related small
intestinal injury. Complementary high-resolution cross-sectional imaging techniques
aid in initial evaluation and for exclusion of alternative etiology. Erosions, superficial
ulcerations, and short segment strictures are the most commonly described findings.
The diagnosis of the condition lies in obtaining relevant history in addition to a
high degree of suspicion during investigation of anemia, obscure gastrointestinal
bleeding, small bowel obstruction, and protein losing enteropathy. Herein, the authors
present a review of pathogenesis and imaging findings of NSAID enteropathy with particular
emphasis on distinction from Crohn’s enteropathy.
Keywords
computed tomography enterography - Crohn's disease - diaphragm disease - enteropathy
- enteroscopy - magnetic resonance enterography - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- small intestine - stricture
