[Ischemic colitis as a cause of colon-engendered diarrhea]

A detailed description of the typical clinical symptoms of ischemic colitis reveals, in which rare cases this illness is the cause of cologenic diarrhea. Initial laboratory findings are after not specific and are not of much diagnostic use, except when this itself hints at the possibility of ischemic colitis. On the other hand, contrast enema and endoscopy yield definitive information. The diagnosis can be confirmed by means of a biopsy. The question why one should follow conservative expectant therapy rather than surgery, when there is a strong suspicion or even proof of ischemic colitis, is discussed. Possible variations of the course of ischemic colitis and their therapeutic consequences are discussed.