TWO CASES OF ESOPHAGEAL ULCER CAUSED BY DABIGATRAN

Abstract

We present herein on two cases of dabigatran-related esophageal ulcer. The first case was a 75-year-old man. He felt an esophageal obstruction and tended to belch after administration of dabigatran for atrial fibrillation. Endoscopic examination showed shallow ulcers in the middle esophagus. Dabigatran was continued and the ulcers healed with administration of a proton pump inhibitor. The second case was a 68-year-old woman. She felt heartburn after administration of dabigatran for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Endoscopic examination showed shallow ulcers in the middle esophagus. Dabigatran was stopped and the ulcers healed with administration of a proton pump inhibitor. Dabigatran is a new anticoagulant drug expected to be used frequently for atrial fibrillation, therefore it is necessary to recognize that dabigatran may cause esophageal ulcers.