Idiopathic small bowel diaphragm disease: a case report

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced intestinal stricturing: diaphragm disease

Diaphragm disease (DD) is a rare small bowel enteropathy associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Since the first description there have only been approximately 100 cases of DD reported in the literature. Stricturing webs or 'diaphragms' form in the bowel, causing non-specific abdominal symptoms that can ultimately lead to bleeding and obstruction. Diagnosis is notoriously challenging as there is no single gold standard investigation. We present two cases of DD both of which were ultimately diagnosed by surgical resection. We also propose a novel flow algorithm that can be utilized for working up patients with suspected DD.

A rare presentation of idiopathic small bowel diaphragm disease - A case report

INTRODUCTION

Diaphragm disease, typically associated with long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, manifests as diaphragm-like small bowel strictures, often resulting in bowel obstruction.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 75-year-old male presented with features of recurrent subacute intestinal obstruction, later diagnosed with multiple small bowel strictures via CT imaging. Surgical intervention, including resection and anastomosis, was performed to alleviate the obstruction. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed diaphragm disease, challenging its traditional association with NSAID use.

DISCUSSION

Diaphragm disease, characterized by mucosal and submucosal diaphragm-like strictures, is typically attributed to NSAID usage. However, this case underscores the possibility of diaphragm disease in the absence of NSAID exposure. Pathological findings supported the presence of diaphragm-like strictures, despite the patient's denial of NSAID use.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasizes the importance of considering diaphragm disease as a differential diagnosis in patients with intermittent bowel obstruction, even in the absence of NSAID history.