Toxic megacolon

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

Clinical Features

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Fever
  • Tachycardia
  • Distended abdomen
  • Hypokalemia
  • Hypomagnesemia

Differential Diagnosis

  • SBO
  • LBO
  • Constipation
  • C. difficile colitis

Diagnosis

  • X-ray showing colon > 6 cm diameter

Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

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