Gold induced enterocolitis.

A case of gold associated enterocolitis is described. A review of all 27 previously reported cases revealed that the syndrome induced has common characteristics. The reaction occurs within three months of instituting gold therapy, is characterised by profuse diarrhoea and vomiting with abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes eosinophilia. Petechial changes are prominent on endoscopy and the endoscopic and histological features of the gut lesion do not resemble inflammatory bowel disease. The overall mortality is 26% but has decreased in recent years. There is no specific therapy but in severe cases diversional surgery may be justified.