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The colon
is supplied with blood by the inferior mesenteric artery. If
the blood supply becomes compromised (blocked or cut off) to
this area, part of the colon may infarct (die). This
condition is known as ischemic
colitis.
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- Crampy abdominal pain
- Mild Diarrhea that may be bloody
- Blood may be passed from the
rectum
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- May have little tenderness -- pain is out proportion to the tenderness
- Rectal exam may reveal guaiac positive stool
- Complete blood count, chemistry panel, and coagulation panel should be checked; WBC (white blood cell) count is often elevated, CO2 level may be low, and "gap" acidosis may be present.
- Arterial Lactic acid level may be elevated.
- CT scan will strongly suggest the diagnosis.
- Colonoscopy may be
performed to confirm the
diagnosis.
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- Support with fluids and oxygenation
- Surgical resection of infarcted
(dead) bowel may be needed. Early consultation with a
surgeon is usually
prudent.
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This is a
life-threatening emergency, and immediate emergency medical
treatment is needed.
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