Life-threatening haemorrhage secondary to nicorandil-induced severe peri-anal ulceration

Abstract

Nicorandil-induced ulceration is rare but has been reported at multiple sites throughout the gastrointestinal tract. We report a life-threatening complication of such ulceration - catastrophic per-rectal haemorrhage requiring emergency surgery with no prior symptoms. Whilst nicorandil should be considered in cases of chronic peri-anal and peristomal ulceration which fail to respond to conventional treatments, this case highlights its importance in the setting of acute surgical presentations.