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Ischemic colitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Colonic ischemia

Definition of Ischemic colitis:

Ischemic colitis is a sudden swelling (inflammation) of a part of the large intestine (colon) that occurs when there is a temporary loss of, or reduction in, blood flow to the colon.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ischemic colitis mainly affects people over 50. Many of them have a history of peripheral vascular disease.

Other risk factors include:

Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
History of stroke
Low blood pressure
Previous aortic surgery with unintentional damage to the artery supplying the colon
Radiation to the abdomen

Digestive system

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

Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 146.

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