Ishemic Colitis

Your Path

  • Ishemic Colitis

Etiology

  • 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 reason

Risk Factors

  • Age > 60
  • Atherosclerosis

Symptoms

  • Acute abd pain
  • Most often generalized or left sided
  • Often crampy w/fecal urgency
  • Small-moderate amounts of bright red blood w/stool or diarrhea

Physical Exam Findings

  • Pain over affected area abd
  • More profound pain if full thickness ischemia/infarct
  • Blood on rectal exam