Segmental colonic gangrene: a surgical emergency in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome

A 2 1/2-year-old girl had rectal bleeding, an abdominal mass, and diffuse peritonitis. A segment of gangrenous colon was removed. Following surgery she developed the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by renal failure, hemolytic anemia, and the thrombocytopenia. The intestinal manifestations associated with the HUS are stressed. This case demonstrates that gangrenous bowel can occur in these patients, and that their survival may depend on resectional surgery.