Phlegmonous Enteritis in a Patient with Congestive Heart Failure and Colon Cancer

Abstract

Phlegmonous enteritis is a rare infective inflammatory disease of the intestine, predominantly involving the submucosal layer. It is difficult to diagnose and often fatal. Its association with alcoholism and various liver diseases, although rarely reported, is well documented. We report a case of phlegmonous enteritis in a male patient with congestive heart failure and colon cancer, and describe the ultrasonographic and CT findings.

Safety and efficacy of a defecation care algorithm based on ultrasonographic bowel observation in Japanese home‐care settings: a single‐case, multiple‐baseline study

“…US observation of the colon and rectum has generally been used for the diagnosis of cancer and polyps. [23][24][25] It has also been used for rectal observation in childhood constipation; 26,27 however, colon and rectal observation has not previously been investigated in the context of constipation in older patients. Japan is a super-aging society, unparalleled in the world, and the proportion of older people with dementia only continues to increase.…”

“…US observation of the colon and rectum has generally been used for the diagnosis of cancer and polyps . It has also been used for rectal observation in childhood constipation; however, colon and rectal observation has not previously been investigated in the context of constipation in older patients.…”

Phlegmonous enteritis: a cause for acute abdomen with unusual findings

“…PE is a rare inflammatory bowel disease that was first described in 1842 by Mooney et al 1 It is difficult to diagnose and carries a high rate of mortality of at least 60%. 2 There are only approximately 60 cases of PE described in the literature. 2 Although the aetiology remains unclear, PE has been associated with pneumonia, pharyngitis, osteomyelitis and even healthy patients.…”

“…2 There are only approximately 60 cases of PE described in the literature. 2 Although the aetiology remains unclear, PE has been associated with pneumonia, pharyngitis, osteomyelitis and even healthy patients. 1,3 The most frequent association is with chronic liver disease, possibly due to localized immunodeficiency and increased bowel permeability.…”

“…1,2 Pathognomic submucosal abscess may be seen in the form of small intramural hypo-attenuation lesions. 2 The treatment of PE involves timely diagnosis and urgent surgical resection of the involved segment. 1 This can be difficult in patients presenting early in the disease progression.…”