Acute Mesenteric Ischemia as a Severe Complication Associated With Tirzepatide: A Case Report and Safety Alert.

Cureus2025PMID: 41416326

View on PubMed DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97035

Plain Language Summary

Case report and safety alert describing acute mesenteric ischemia in a patient following tirzepatide treatment, with proposed mechanism involving drug-related reduction in splanchnic blood flow combined with GI motility changes increasing bowel ischemia risk. Represents a potentially fatal GI complication. Documents tirzepatide-associated acute mesenteric ischemia—a life-threatening vascular emergency that may be precipitated by the drug's combined effects on gastric motility and splanchnic vascular dynamics, requiring urgent surgical awareness and reinforcing the need for vigilance regarding severe abdominal pain in tirzepatide users.

Abstract

Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We report a case of acute mesenteric ischemia in a patient following treatment with tirzepatide, highlighting a rare but serious adverse event potentially related to its effects on gastrointestinal motility and vascular perfusion. This case emphasizes the necessity for careful patient selection and close clinical monitoring, especially given the increasing use of this medication outside of formal supervision.

Authors

Brooks, Shani; Nafees, Samraiz; Abdi, Khaled; Austin, Isobel; Mahmood, Balal; Bowden, Adam; Warren, Emily; Crossley, Alexander; Mehmood, Azhar; Birkett, Victoria

Keywords

acute mesenteric ischemiagastrointestinal complicationsglp-1 receptor agonisttirzepatideunsupervised drug useweight loss medication