Fatal neutropenic enterocolitis following methotrexate overdose: A case report

Abstract

Methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist, is widely used in the treatment of neoplasms in addition to diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although well tolerated under normal conditions, the use of more than the recommended doses may cause life-threatening toxicities. Toxicity due to high doses of methotrexate is manifested by bone marrow inhibition, gastrointestinal mucosal damage and pancytopenia. Most cases result from overdose. However, serious adverse events that result in mortality, in particular those of mixing medication in elderly patients, are rare. Herein, we present the case of a 72-year-old man who admitted to the emergency department with painful oral ulcers, inability to swallow and a general impaired condition, and died of sepsis after developing neutropenic enterocolitis following a fever and neutropenia.