Synergistic Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Corticosteroids Leading to Gastric Perforation

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2025

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in cancer treatment regimens but are associated with a variety of adverse events, including gastrointestinal (GI)+ complications. Although rare, GI bleeding and gastric perforation are serious complications linked to ICIs and prolonged corticosteroid use, which are often prescribed to mediate side effects of ICIs. Steroid treatment can impair mucosal defenses and delay healing, increasing risk of ulceration and perforation. This case highlights the relationship between ICIs and steroids, demonstrating the risk of severe upper GI complications and need for vigilant monitoring and early recognition in high-risk patients. Case Description/Methods: This is a 72-year-old woman with a history of malignant mesothelioma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia who presented from a skilled nursing facility with altered mental status and hematemesis. Due to hemodynamic instability, she was intubated and started on vasopressors for hemorrhagic shock. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis showed a left upper quadrant hematoma or mass. Her hemoglobin was 6.5 g/dL (normal: 12.1-15 g/dL), requiring blood transfusion. Emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a large gastric perforation, multiple gastric ulcers (Forrest IIB), duodenitis, and abnormal esophageal mucosa. Hemostasis was achieved endoscopically with clipping and argon plasma coagulation. Further history revealed she had been on 20 mg prednisone daily for 3 months due to immunotherapy-induced diarrhea from treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. She was nonadherent to pantoprazole. Despite management, bleeding persisted, and the patient expired on day 7 with comfort measures. Discussion: This case highlights the severe risk of gastrointestinal complications in patients on combined immunotherapy and prolonged corticosteroids. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause GI inflammation, which may be worsened by steroids impairing mucosal healing. In this patient, the rapid progression from a normal EGD 3 months prior to gastric ulceration and perforation exemplifies how quickly injury can occur. Nonadherence to proton pump inhibitors likely contributed to ulcer formation. Despite aggressive resuscitation and endoscopic therapy, the patient’s condition deteriorated, reflecting the high morbidity and mortality risk. This case emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring, adherence to gastroprotective measures, and early endoscopic evaluation in high-risk patients to prevent and manage GI complications.

Volume

120

Issue

10S2

First Page

S1361

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting, October 24-29, 2025, Phoenix, AZ

Last Page

S1361

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0001154004.80373.89

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