A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis

Introduction. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane is available as a supplement in the United States for “cancer prevention” and “augmentation of physical fitness.” A derivative of indole-3-carbinol found in plants, diindolylmethane, binds to receptors associated with the sex steroid pathways and has unclear effec...

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Main Authors: Peter V. Bui, Maan Moualla, Dona J. Upson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2016-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Medicine
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/7527098
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author Peter V. Bui
Maan Moualla
Dona J. Upson
author_facet Peter V. Bui
Maan Moualla
Dona J. Upson
author_sort Peter V. Bui
collection DOAJ
description Introduction. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane is available as a supplement in the United States for “cancer prevention” and “augmentation of physical fitness.” A derivative of indole-3-carbinol found in plants, diindolylmethane, binds to receptors associated with the sex steroid pathways and has unclear effects on estrogen and androgen physiology. We present a patient who had been taking diindolylmethane and developed right lower extremity deep venous thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old man presented with swelling, erythema, and warmth of his right lower extremity for three to four weeks. He had been taking diindolylmethane one tablet daily for three to four months. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism included tobacco use, personal history of possible pulmonary embolism, body mass index, and age. Imaging studies found extensive deep venous thrombosis in his right lower extremity and bilateral pulmonary embolism with probable right middle lobe infarction. Follow-up imaging showed chronic deep venous thrombosis in his right lower extremity. Discussion. As suggested in this single case, patients who take diindolylmethane may be at greater risk for venous thromboembolism. Further reports and studies are necessary in order to elucidate this possible association. Clinicians should question patients about supplements in the setting of venous thromboembolism.
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spelling doaj-art-d31b93fac6194591a061e86571e4c70e2025-08-20T03:24:11ZengWileyCase Reports in Medicine1687-96271687-96352016-01-01201610.1155/2016/75270987527098A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous ThrombosisPeter V. Bui0Maan Moualla1Dona J. Upson2Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USAWest Houston Medical Center, Hospital Corporation of America, Houston, TX, USASection of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM, USAIntroduction. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane is available as a supplement in the United States for “cancer prevention” and “augmentation of physical fitness.” A derivative of indole-3-carbinol found in plants, diindolylmethane, binds to receptors associated with the sex steroid pathways and has unclear effects on estrogen and androgen physiology. We present a patient who had been taking diindolylmethane and developed right lower extremity deep venous thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old man presented with swelling, erythema, and warmth of his right lower extremity for three to four weeks. He had been taking diindolylmethane one tablet daily for three to four months. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism included tobacco use, personal history of possible pulmonary embolism, body mass index, and age. Imaging studies found extensive deep venous thrombosis in his right lower extremity and bilateral pulmonary embolism with probable right middle lobe infarction. Follow-up imaging showed chronic deep venous thrombosis in his right lower extremity. Discussion. As suggested in this single case, patients who take diindolylmethane may be at greater risk for venous thromboembolism. Further reports and studies are necessary in order to elucidate this possible association. Clinicians should question patients about supplements in the setting of venous thromboembolism.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/7527098
spellingShingle Peter V. Bui
Maan Moualla
Dona J. Upson
A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
Case Reports in Medicine
title A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
title_full A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
title_fullStr A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
title_full_unstemmed A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
title_short A Possible Association of Diindolylmethane with Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
title_sort possible association of diindolylmethane with pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/7527098
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