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[Acute segmental hemorrhagic antibiotic-associated colitis].
C Langner1, D Dorlars, C Gross
1Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum Kassel. cord.langner@kfunigraz.ac.at
Der Pathologe
|September 27, 2001
Summary
Antibiotic-associated colitis can cause acute abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea in adults. Discontinuing ampicillin or amoxicillin led to spontaneous recovery in three male patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Antibiotic-associated colitis is a potential complication of antimicrobial therapy.
- Ampicillin and amoxicillin are commonly prescribed antibiotics for various infections.
Observation:
- Three adult males (30-33 years) developed acute symptoms after ampicillin or amoxicillin use.
- Symptoms included cramping abdominal pain and acute onset bloody diarrhea.
- Endoscopy revealed right-sided segmental hemorrhagic colitis.
Findings:
- Histopathology showed edema, superficial hemorrhage, and mononuclear infiltrate.
- Surface epithelium changes included desquamation and intraepithelial red blood cells.
- Microbial analysis of fecal samples was negative for pathogens.
Implications:
- Discontinuation of the causative antibiotic resulted in spontaneous recovery for all patients.
- This highlights the importance of considering antibiotic-induced colitis in differential diagnosis.
- Understanding diagnostic features is crucial for appropriate patient management.