Migraine to Mesenteric Mishap: A Case Report of Ischemic Colitis Due to Sumatriptan

Ischemic colitis (IC) results from reduced blood flow to the colon, which can lead to tissue infarction and may be precipitated by medications that induce vasoconstriction. This case involves a 73-year-old female with a history of migraines and chronic back pain who presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with severe IC, ultimately requiring subtotal colectomy and ileostomy. The patient had been using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for many years, then initiated high doses of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist sumatriptan prior to her first episode of IC, suggesting that sumatriptan was the primary etiology. This case represents the patient's third episode of IC, highlighting the importance of thorough medication review in identifying potential etiologies.