Toxic megacolon: Difference between revisions
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*Fever | *Fever | ||
*Tachycardia | *Tachycardia | ||
*Diarrhea | |||
*Distended abdomen | *Distended abdomen | ||
*Hypokalemia | *Hypokalemia | ||
Revision as of 00:09, 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
- Diarrhea
- Distended abdomen
- Hypokalemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Perforation
- Peritonitis
- Septicemia
Differential Diagnosis
- Small bowel obstruction
- Large Bowel Obstruction
- Constipation
- C. difficile colitis
Diagnosis
- X-ray showing colon > 6 cm diameter
- Can also see loss of haustra, "thumb-printing" (bowel edema)