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Megacolon tóxico - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Dilatación tóxica del colon; Megarrecto

Definición:

Es una complicación potencialmente mortal de otras afecciones intestinales que ocasiona un rápido ensanchamiento (dilatación) del intestino grueso en cuestión de 1 hasta unos cuantos días.

Causas, incidencia y factores de riesgo:

El megacolon tóxico ocurre como una complicación de una enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria, como la colitis ulcerativa y la enfermedad de Crohn e infecciones del colon. El término "tóxico" significa que esta complicación ocurre con infección e inflamación.

Esto no es lo mismo que otras formas de megacolon, como seudooclusión, íleo colónico agudo o dilatación congénita del colon, dado que estas afecciones se presentan sin infección ni inflamación.

El sistema digestivo

Megacolon tóxico

Enfermedad de Crohn; áreas afectadas

Colitis ulcerativa

Órganos del sistema digestivo

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.

Referencias

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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