Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 16, 2013
Pseudomembranous colitis revisited: spectrum of imaging findings
I Ramachandran1, R Sinha, P Rodgers
1Department of Radiology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
Abstract:
In recent years there has been a marked increase in the incidence of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). PMC is more common in patients over 65 years of age and can cause significant morbidity. The purpose of this article is to review the imaging features of PMC on plain radiography, sonography, computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is important to recognize the imaging findings of PMC using different imaging methods and encourage urgent confirmation of the diagnosis serologically, as the differential includes other fulminant colitides for which colectomy may be the required. Awareness of the spectrum of imaging findings of PMC can help radiologists make the primary or incidental diagnosis of PMC.
Insights
Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is rising in older adults. This review details PMC imaging findings across radiography, sonography, CT, scintigraphy, and MRI to aid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) incidence is increasing, particularly in patients over 65.
- PMC can lead to significant patient morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse imaging features of PMC across multiple modalities.
- To enhance radiologists' ability to diagnose PMC, differentiating it from other severe colitis conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging findings for PMC using plain radiography.
- Sonography, computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study outlines characteristic imaging findings for PMC across various diagnostic techniques.
- Recognizing these imaging patterns is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of PMC's imaging spectrum aids radiologists in primary or incidental diagnosis.
- Urgent serological confirmation is recommended due to differential diagnoses requiring potential colectomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations