Perforation complicating rifampin-associated pseudomembranous enteritis

D. L. Miller, J. D. Sedlack and R. W. Holt
Georgetown University Surgical Division, District of Columbia General Hospital, Washington, DC 20007.

An 18-year-old man developed a perforated jejunum while receiving rifampin antituberculous chemotherapy. The perforations were located within longitudinal ulcers characteristic of pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Pseudomembranous inflammation was limited to the small intestine. The absence of colonic involvement delayed establishment of the diagnosis. Successful surgical intervention consisting of small-bowel resection with primary anastomosis was accomplished for this rare and potentially fatal complication of antituberculous chemotherapy.