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Toxic megacolon - Overview

Alternative Names

Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum

Definition of Toxic megacolon:

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions that causes rapid widening (dilation) of the large intestine within 1 to a few days.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Toxic megacolon occurs as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn' s disease, and infections of the colon. The term "toxic" means that this complication occurs with infection or inflammation.

This is not the same as other forms of megacolon, such as pseudo-obstruction, acute colonic ileus, or congenital colonic dilation. These conditions occur without infection or inflammation.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/20/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Stenson WF. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 144.

Peterson MA. Disorders of the large intestine. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 93.

Marrero F. Severe complications of inflammatory bowel disease. Med Clin North Am. 2008;92:671-686.

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