Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Introduction Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist and combined GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist use has dramatically increased in recent years. While their side effect profile is often manageable, they can lead to serious complications. Case Presentation We present a case of colonic ischemia in a young patient who experienced significant nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after initiation of semaglutide. Imaging was unremarkable, but after an episode of hematochezia, a colonoscopy was performed, which grossly showed signs of colonic ischemia with biopsied tissue demonstrating changes consistent with ischemic mucosa. A comprehensive hematology, cardiology, and gastrointestinal workup was performed, which did not elucidate a cause for the colonic ischemia. The likely cause was deemed to be hypovolemia resulting from the recent initiation of semaglutide. Conclusions Following the initiation of semaglutide, other GLP-1 agonists, or GLP-1/GIP dual agonists, practitioners should be aware of the potential severe complications, such as colonic ischemia, and properly educate their patients about these risks.
Institutions: University of North Dakota, Sanford Health, Sanford Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7164908283