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Toxic pseudomembranous colitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis
S García-Osogobio1, T Takahashi, A Gamboa-Domínguez
1Service of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Instituto Nacional de la Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
|August 29, 2000
Summary
Toxic megacolon is a rare but serious complication of Clostridium difficile colitis, particularly in patients with ulcerative colitis. Early suspicion in relapsing cases on antibiotics is crucial for prompt management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Toxic colitis is a severe condition often stemming from inflammatory or infectious causes.
- Ulcerative colitis is a primary driver of toxic colitis in the U.S.
- Toxic megacolon represents a rare but life-threatening complication.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male with a history of amebiasis presented with recurrent symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
- Initial treatment for ulcerative colitis was partially effective, but symptoms later recurred.
- The patient developed severe abdominal pain, distention, and signs of peritonitis, necessitating emergency surgery.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis as the underlying cause.
- The patient underwent a total abdominal colectomy due to toxic megacolon.
- This case highlights a rare instance of Clostridium difficile colitis leading to toxic megacolon in an ulcerative colitis patient.
Implications:
- The occurrence of toxic megacolon due to Clostridium difficile in ulcerative colitis patients is infrequent.
- Suspecting Clostridium difficile is vital in ulcerative colitis patients experiencing relapse, especially if they have recently used antibiotics.
- This emphasizes the need for vigilant diagnosis and management of C. difficile infections in vulnerable patient populations.