BACKGROUND: Anal ulceration is uncommon. Patients are typically referred because of severe anal pain, bleeding, discharge, and ulceration. It is important to exclude anal carcinoma, and to consider more unusual causes. METHODS: A 74-year-old lady presented with severe anal pain and ulceration. This was subsequently noted to be related to nicorandil, a potassium channel activator used in the treatment of angina. Discontinuation of nicorandil and faecal diversion allowed symptom relief and ulcer healing. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the association between nicorandil and anal ulceration is essential in order to appropriately diagnose and manage this condition.
BACKGROUND: Anal ulceration is uncommon. Patients are typically referred because of severe anal pain, bleeding, discharge, and ulceration. It is important to exclude anal carcinoma, and to consider more unusual causes. METHODS: A 74-year-old lady presented with severe anal pain and ulceration. This was subsequently noted to be related to nicorandil, a potassium channel activator used in the treatment of angina. Discontinuation of nicorandil and faecal diversion allowed symptom relief and ulcer healing. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the association between nicorandil and anal ulceration is essential in order to appropriately diagnose and manage this condition.
Authors: Mark Katory; Ben Davies; Clive Kelty; Ramesh Arasaradnam; Paul Skinner; Steve Brown; John Bagley; Andrew J Shorthouse; Lesley M Hunt; Richard Slater Journal: Dis Colon Rectum Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 4.585