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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 part of the large intestine within one 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.

Digestive system

Toxic megacolon

Crohn's disease - affected areas

Ulcerative colitis

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 5/27/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Su C, Lichtenstein GR. Ulcerative colitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, Sleisenger MH. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 109.

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

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