Focal Ischemic Colitis Mimicking Colon Cancer

Nguyen, Nhu An; Wendzel, Nena; Boyum, Rodney D; McNally, Michael P.; Wong, Roy

doi:10.14309/00000434-201810001-01583

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The area of ischemia in such cases is either proximal to or within the space occupied by the mass. The differentiation of the mass-forming variant of ischemic colitis from an obstructive colonic mass causing secondary ischemia to the colon poses a diagnostic challenge as there is a significant overlap in the clinical, imaging, and colonoscopic findings [ 12 ]. Often this predicament warrants premature surgical consultation and causes a psychosocial burden upon the patients and their families.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ischemic Colitis or Colon Cancer: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Khanal¹,

Bhatt²,

Schmidt³

et al. 2023

Cureus

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Ischemic colitis, a potentially reversible pathology of the colon, can masquerade in its presentation as colonic carcinoma. It typically presents with cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea, and per-rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy remains the diagnostic modality of choice that typically shows friable, edematous, or erythematous mucosa with scattered hemorrhagic erosions or ulcerations. Although rare, the colonoscopic findings can sometimes reveal a tumor mass that confounds the diagnosis of ischemic colitis as colonic carcinoma. Our patient was a 78-year-old female with no previous colon cancer screening who presented with a mass-forming variant of ischemic colitis. Due to the overlap in presentations, radiographic findings, and colonoscopic findings, the diagnostic challenge was evident. Ultimately, colon cancer was ruled out through thorough colonoscopic follow-up and biopsy-guided pathological analysis. This case signifies the importance of considering colonic mass as a guise of underlying ischemic colitis to ensure an accurate diagnosis and the best possible outcome for the patient.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%