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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2007; 13(14): 2132-2134
Published online Apr 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i14.2132
Published online Apr 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i14.2132
A case of oesophageal ulcer developed after taking homeopathic pill in a young woman
Vito D Corleto, Cristiano Pagnini, Department of Digestive and Liver Diseases, II School of Medicine, University “La Sapienza”, Centro Ricerche S. Pietro, Ospedale S. Pietro, Rome, Italy
Ermira Zykaj, Antonella Carnuccio, Francesca Chiesara, Gianfranco Delle Fave, Department of Digestive and Liver Diseases, II School of Medicine, University “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
Lidia D’Alonzo, Salvatore Di Somma, Department of Emergency Medicine, II School of Medicine, University “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Vito D Corleto MD, Department of Digestive and Liver Diseases, II School of Medicine, University “La Sapienza”, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1037 00189 Roma, Italy. vito.corleto@uniroma1.it
Telephone: +39-6-33775289 Fax: +39-6-33251278
Received: December 10, 2006
Revised: December 23, 2006
Accepted: December 25, 2006
Published online: April 14, 2007
Revised: December 23, 2006
Accepted: December 25, 2006
Published online: April 14, 2007
Abstract
Oesophageal ulcers occur mainly as a result of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, pill-induced oesophageal ulcers are a fairly common event. The lesion is mainly due to entrapment of the pill and/or its chemical composition thereof. This case report describes an oesophageal mucosa ulcer occurred in a healthy 35-year old woman who had no previous history of oesophageal disorders and received homeopathic medication. The present case reveals that pill entrapment can occur even in the oesophagus of healthy young individuals and that oesophageal mucosal ulcer can be triggered by substances generally thought devoid of any potentially mucosal aggressive effect.