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Toxic megacolon

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Definition:

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions. It is characterized by a very inflated colon, abdominal distention, and sometimes fever, abdominal pain, or shock.

Alternative Names:

Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease , and some infections of the colon. Other forms of megacolon exist and can be congenital (present since birth) or associated with some forms of constipation.

• Review Date: 1/23/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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