The Silent Obstruction: A Rare Complication of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-Induced Diaphragm Disease

Diaphragm disease is a rare but significant complication of prolonged non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, characterised by thin concentric mucosal diaphragms causing small bowel strictures. This case report is on a 42-year-old woman with a chronic history of NSAID use, which led to the development of recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, iron-deficiency anaemia, and subacute small bowel obstruction. Diaphragm disease was confirmed through histological analysis following surgical resection of the small bowel. Patients who present with non-specific GI symptoms along with chronic NSAID use and unexplained obstruction should make us consider diaphragm disease within the differentials.