Pseudomembranous Colitis

Abstract

EDITORIAL SYNOPSIS It is not generally recognized that pseudo-membranous enterocolitis may attack the colon only and has to be considered as a differential diagnosis for ulcerative colitis. Twelve cases in which the colon only was attacked are described in this paper. They fall into two groups, one group associated with primary disease of the colon, particularly with obstruction, and the other with general disease such as pneumonia or uraemia or septicaemia. It is suggested that the condition is due to a toxic agent acting locally within the mucosa and is a separate entity from ischaemic colitis or staphylococcal enterocolitis.