Ischemic colitis (patient information)
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Ischemic colitis |
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Ischemic colitis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Ischemic colitis is a sudden swelling (inflammation) of part of the large intestine (colon) that occurs when there is a temporary loss of, or reduction in, blood flow to the colon.
What are the symptoms of Ischemic colitis?
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool (may be bright red or maroon).
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
What causes Ischemic colitis?
Ischemic colitis mainly affects people over 50. Many of them have a history of peripheral vascular disease.
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Blockage of the large bowel
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Low blood pressure
- Past aortic surgery in which damage occurred to the artery that supplies the colon.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Use of medications that cause constipation
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Computerized tomography (CT scan).
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of ischemic colitis.
Treatment options
- Treatment for mild ischemic colitis often involves:
- Antibiotics
- Liquid diet at first.\
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Pain medications
- Severe ischemic colitis that leads to gangrene is treated with:
- Antibiotics
- Replacement of blood volume
- Surgery to remove the affected bowel area
Where to find medical care for Ischemic colitis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Ischemic colitis
Prevention of Ischemic colitis
Being aware of your risk may allow early diagnosis and treatment. Absolute prevention may not be possible.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Most cases of ischemic colitis are mild and will improve on their own. They do not need surgical treatment.
- The death rate is high when gangrene occurs because there is not enough blood supply.
Possible complications
- Gangrene of the bowel.
- Hole in the intestine (perforation).
- Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis).
- Sepsis.