Radiographic and endoscopic findings in penicillin-related non-pseudomembranous colitis

The characteristic findings of barium enema and colonofiberscopic studies and their changes over time were investigated in 10 patients with penicillin-related non-pseudomembranous colitis. Radiographic examination within 6 days of onset revealed abnormal findings such as narrowing of the lumen, loss of haustral markings, thumb-printing, transverse ridging, and saw-toothed irregularities. These findings tended to be more pronounced on the right than on the left side of the colon. Endoscopy revealed lesions characterized by mucosal reddening, edema, and hemorrhage, without definite ulceration or erosion. In 5 of the 10 patients, non-continuous distribution of the lesions was noted. In 4 patients, the rectum was unaffected. Reversion to normal occurred within an average of 15.7 days following onset of the symptoms. Thus, for an accurate diagnosis of this disease, barium enema and/or total colonoscopy should be performed within 6 days of onset.