Toxic megacolon: Difference between revisions
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
*X-ray showing colon > 6 cm diameter | *X-ray showing colon > 6 cm diameter | ||
**Can also see loss of haustra, "thumb-printing" (bowel edema) | **Can also see loss of haustra, "thumb-printing" (bowel edema) | ||
*Labs: | |||
**leukocytosis | |||
**electrolyte disturbances | |||
**anemia | |||
**hypoalbuminemia | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Revision as of 00:10, 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)
- Labs:
- leukocytosis
- electrolyte disturbances
- anemia
- hypoalbuminemia