TOXIC MEGACOLON

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of toxic megacolon may include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Shock

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing toxic megacolon typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Diagnostic steps may include:

• Medical History: Inquiring about underlying gastrointestinal conditions, recent illness, medication use, and previous episodes of toxic megacolon.
• Physical Examination: Assessing for abdominal tenderness, distension, signs of peritonitis, and systemic manifestations of infection.
• Imaging Studies: Abdominal X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans can reveal colonic dilation, haustral loss, and signs of perforation or pneumatosis.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be performed to assess for markers of inflammation, electrolyte imbalances, and evidence of infection.

Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and preventing complications.

TREATMENT

Treatment of toxic megacolon focuses on stabilizing the patient, reducing inflammation, and preventing complications. Treatment strategies may include:

• Hospitalization: Patients with toxic megacolon require immediate hospitalization in an intensive care setting for close monitoring and supportive care.
• Nasogastric Decompression: Inserting a nasogastric tube can help decompress the bowel and alleviate abdominal distension.
• Intravenous Fluids: Fluid resuscitation is essential to maintain hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances.
• Medications: Intravenous corticosteroids are often administered to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.
• Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed to treat underlying infections or prevent secondary infections.
• Surgery: In refractory cases or in the presence of complications such as perforation, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the colon.