Ischemic colitis physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2]

Overview

Ischemic colitis is characterized by abdominal pain which is out of proportion to physical findings, specifically excruciating abdominal pain despite limited focal tenderness.

Physical Examination

• The physical examination findings of ischemic colitis are as follows:
  • Abdomen reveals mild to moderate tenderness over the affected area of the colon.
    • Abdominal pain in 77% of patients
    • Abdominal tenderness in 21% of patients
  • Rectal examination shows heme-positive stools.
  • Severe ischemia with transmural infarction and necrosis.
    • Marked abdominal tenderness with peritoneal signs.