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[Toxic megacolon and intestinal perforation caused by Salmonella enteritidis]
A Castells1, M Q Cardona, E Pedrol
1Servicio de Medicina Interna General, Hospital Clinic i Provincial de Barcelona.
Abstract:
Two cases of colitis due to Salmonella enteriditis which later developed a toxic megacolon with intestinal perforation are presented and the probable pathogenesis is discussed. This exceptional clinical course which has not been previously described forces to perform a differential diagnosis with chronic intestinal inflammatory disease which must be based on microbiologic, serologic and/or histologic criteria. Moreover, the authors warn about the unsuitability of using anticholigernic drugs in gastroenteritis since they could be related to the ethiopathogenical basis of the disease's unfavorable course in the described patients.
Insights
Salmonella enteriditis can cause severe colitis, leading to toxic megacolon and intestinal perforation. This rare complication requires careful differential diagnosis from chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Salmonella enteriditis is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Severe cases of colitis can lead to complications such as toxic megacolon.
- Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening condition characterized by colonic dilation.