Sphincter of oddi dysfunction induced by ketamine: A case report.
Nava Raj Sharma, Arjun Basnet, Saral Lamichhane, Kripa Tiwari, Jeffy Varghese, Sudarshan Gautam, Madalasa Pokhrel
Clinical Case Reports June 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.9016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 29-year-old female with upper abdominal pain due to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction from chronic ketamine use |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Biliary diseases Drug abuse Low‐dose ketamine Ketamine effects Digestive disorders Sphincter dysfunction |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Chronic ketamine use can induce sphincter of Oddi dysfunction via muscarinic receptor activation, and early identification through substance abuse history can prevent irreversible liver and pancreas damage. |
Abstract
Chronic ketamine use can lead to sphincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD), causing various hepatobiliary complications. Recognizing substance abuse history is vital for early detection. Timely intervention can prevent irreversible liver and pancreas damage. Ketamine is commonly abused as a recreational drug worldwide due to its ability to induce euphoria-like effects. Ketamine abuse is associated with many hepatobiliary side effects ranging from cholestasis to biliary sepsis and death. Here we present a case of a young 29-year female with upper abdominal pain due to SOD resulting from chronic use of ketamine. SOD can result in obstruction or dysfunction of the bile and pancreatic ducts. Ketamine induces SOD by activation of the muscarinic receptors in the sphincter of oddi. Detail history of substance abuse is crucial for early identification of ketamine-induced SOD. Early identification and treatment of this rare condition can prevent permanent injury to the liver and pancreas.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Chronic ketamine use associated with progressive multisystem organ dysfunction. BMJ Case Reports July 8, 2026
- Health risks associated with non-medical use of ketamine in France: National surveillance insights from the French Addictovigilance Network, 2019-2023. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 23, 2026
Cites 3
- Metabolism and metabolomics of ketamine: a toxicological approach Forensic Sciences Research January 2, 2017
- Ketamine bladder syndrome: an important differential diagnosis when assessing a patient with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. BMJ Case Reports September 30, 2012
- Towards an Explanation of Subjective Ketamine Experiences among Young Injection Drug Users. Addiction Research & Theory 2008