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Case Reports
. 2013 Oct 8;1(1):13-5.
doi: 10.14309/crj.2013.7. eCollection 2013 Oct.

Iron Pill-Induced Gastritis

Jana G Hashash  1 , Siobhan Proksell  2 , Shih-Fan Kuan  3 , Jaideep Behari  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Iron Pill-Induced Gastritis

Jana G Hashash et al. ACG Case Rep J. .

Abstract

Iron-deficiency anemia is a prevalent condition treated with iron supplementation. Iron pill-induced gastritis is an under-recognized, albeit serious potential complication of iron pill ingestion. This entity must be identified by healthcare providers who prescribe iron. We present a case of a 59-year-old male with iron deficiency anemia on ferrous sulfate tablets who underwent an upper endoscopy, during which a single superficial gastric ulceration in the body was noted. Biopsies revealed heavy iron deposition confirming the ulceration was a consequence of the iron tablets. Iron pill-induced gastritis causes corrosive mucosal injury similar to that caused by chemical burns.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Endoscopic appearance of the gastric ulcer margins.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Endoscopic appearance of the gastric ulcer bed.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Hematoxylin and eosin stain of the gastric ulcer at 100 magnification.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Iron stain of the gastric ulcer revealing heavy iron deposition at 100 magnification.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Ferrous sulfate: Patient drug information. UpToDate web site http://www.uptodate.com/contents/ferrous-sulfate-patient-drug-information Accessed June 6, 2013.
    1. Kaye P, Abdulla K, Wood J, et al. . Iron-induced mucosal pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract: a common finding in patients on oral iron therapy. Histopathology. 2008;53(3):311–7. - PubMed
    1. Laine LA, Bentley E, Chandrasoma P. Effect of oral iron therapy on the upper gastrointestinal tract. A prospective evaluation. Dig Dis Sci. 1998;33(2):172–7. - PubMed

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