Skip to main content

Colitis, Ischemic

Marie L Borum, MD, EdD, MPH, Samuel A Schueler, MD and Luke Thomas Chmielecki, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

Ischemic colitis (IC) results from decreased blood flow to the colon with resultant inflammation and tissue damage. 

DESCRIPTION

  • More common in the elderly; can affect patients of all ages

  • IC is s...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Diagnosis is based on history, risk factors, and physical examination (1)[A].

  • Laboratory values and radiographic findings are usually nonspecific but may help predict severity (1)[A].

  • Colono...

TREATMENT

  • Treatment depends on disease severity.

  • In the absence of colonic necrosis or perforation, most patients respond to supportive care (1)[A]:

    • Bowel rest (3)

    • IV fluids to maintain hemodynamic sta...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Vital sign monitoring depending on initial presentation

  • Observation for further episodes of bloody stool or melena

  • Consideration of serial CBCs

  • Ser...

REFERENCES

1
Brandt  LJ, Feuerstadt  P, Longstreth  GF, et al. ACG clinical guideline: epidemiology, risk factors, patterns of presentation, diagnosis, and management of colon i...

CODES

ICD10

  • K55.9 Vascular disorder of intestine, unspecified

  • K55.0 Acute vascular disorders of intestine

  • K55.1 Chronic vascular disorders of intestine

SNOMED

  • 30588004 Ischemic colitis (disorder)

  • 75700000 A...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Suspect IC in patients with multiple risk factors who present with abdominal pain and loose bloody stools.

  • Risk factors include advanced age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, c...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×