Ischemic Colitis

Your Path

  • Ischemic Colitis

Etiology

  • For occlusive dz: known atherosclerosis or vascular risk factors, hypotension from other process superimposed on atherosclerosis, embolic events → a fib, ventricular thrombus
  • Etiology for non-occlusive dz: hypotension or low flow state from any cause

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea
  • Acute generalized or low abdominal pain
  • Often crampy w/fecal urgency
  • Small-moderate amounts of bright red blood w/stool

Physical Exam Findings

  • Abdomen may be soft, non-tender (if no infarct)
  • Blood sometimes visible on rectal exam (and guaiac +)

Tests