Toxic megacolon: Difference between revisions
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
* | *[[Small bowel obstruction]] | ||
* | *Large Bowel Obstruction | ||
*Constipation | *Constipation | ||
*C. difficile colitis | *C. difficile colitis | ||
Revision as of 00:06, 15 September 2015
Background
- Inflammation of intestinal smooth muscle causes colon dilation
- Untreated, can lead to perforation
- Usually associated with infectious colitis or Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis
- Triggers:
- Anti-motility agents
- Anticholinergics
- Narcotics
Clinical Features
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever
- Tachycardia
- Distended abdomen
- Hypokalemia
- Hypomagnesemia
Differential Diagnosis
- Small bowel obstruction
- Large Bowel Obstruction
- Constipation
- C. difficile colitis
Diagnosis
- X-ray showing colon > 6 cm diameter