Exercise-Induced Ischemic Colitis From Home-Based High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

The current case presents a male in his 40s without significant past medical, surgical, or family history. Hematochezia started immediately after one hour of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which included free-weight exercises and a circuit training instructional video. Relevant investigations included negative stool cultures and flexible sigmoidoscopy showing ischemic colitis in the mid-sigmoid. Histology also supported ischemic etiology, leading to the diagnosis of exercise-induced ischemic colitis (EIIC). The patient made a full recovery following supportive treatment, including intravenous fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ischemic colitis secondary to HIIT performed at home. The case reviews risk factors for EIIC and highlights the diagnosis as being possible outside the context of long-distance and endurance exercise.