Case Report: Olmesartan-Induced Enteropathy Mimicking Amyloidosis in the Setting of New Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis.

Abstract

Introduction: Olmesartan-induced enteropathy is an uncommon but important cause of severe chronic diarrhea and weight loss that can mimic celiac disease and infiltrative gastrointestinal disorders.

Case presentation: We report a 71-year-old man on long-term olmesartan who presented with months of diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, profound weakness, and ∼100 pounds of unintentional weight loss. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated duodenal villous blunting with lamina propria lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and rare periodic acid-Schiff-positive macrophages. An empiric 3-week gluten-free diet trial was ineffective. Celiac serologies, infectious stool studies, and HIV testing were negative. Laboratory evaluation revealed anemia, elevated creatinine, hypercalcemia, and a gamma gap; serum and urine protein electrophoresis showed an M-protein, and bone marrow biopsy confirmed multiple myeloma. Repeat duodenal biopsies again showed villous blunting, while Congo red staining was negative, arguing against gastrointestinal amyloidosis. Olmesartan-induced enteropathy was favored; olmesartan was discontinued and budesonide was started. Within 1 month, gastrointestinal symptoms resolved and the patient gained 20 pounds.

Conclusion: Recognition of this drug effect is critical, particularly when concurrent hematologic disease raises concern for infiltrative etiologies.