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Chemical colitis.

Sarah Sheibani1, Lauren B Gerson

  • 1Division of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5202, USA.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|January 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Chemical colitis, often caused by endoscope contamination or chemical enemas, presents with vague symptoms like abdominal pain and bleeding. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment, but severe injuries may require surgery.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Toxicology
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Chemical colitis arises from endoscope contamination (e.g., glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide) or intentional/accidental enema administration.
  • Caustic chemicals can induce colitis through various routes, including sexual practices, bowel cleansing, or suicide attempts.
  • Patient presentation is often nonspecific, including abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea, complicating diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize existing literature on chemical colitis.
  • To outline clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features associated with various causative agents.
  • To discuss diagnostic challenges and management strategies for chemically induced colitis.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of case reports and series concerning chemical colitis.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of agents implicated, including alcohols, acids, bases, and disinfectants.
  • Compilation of clinical presentations, endoscopic findings, and histopathologic characteristics.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified agents include alcohol, glutaraldehyde, formalin, hydrogen peroxide, and various acids/bases.
    • Nonspecific symptoms necessitate a thorough patient history for accurate diagnosis.
    • Most cases resolve with conservative or medical management; rare complications include strictures and fistulae.

    Conclusions:

    • Chemical colitis diagnosis hinges on recognizing nonspecific symptoms and obtaining a detailed history of chemical exposure.
    • Prompt diagnosis and management, often conservative, lead to resolution in most cases.
    • While rare, severe chemical colitis may necessitate surgical intervention for complications like peritonitis or ischemic colitis.