Radiology in Pseudomembranous Colitis*

Sherbon, K. J.

doi:10.1111/j.1440-1673.1972.tb01325.x

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…With more extensive colonic involvement, the plaques are larger and coalesce to form an irregular bowel wall margin (6,7,25). The serrated outline of the barium column represents barium interposed between the plaquelike membranes rather than true ulceration with surrounding edema (26). Mural thickening and wide haustral folds due to intramural edema may also be seen (19,21) (Fig 8).…”

Section: Figures 4-6 (4)mentioning

confidence: 97%

Pseudomembranous Colitis: Spectrum of Imaging Findings with Clinical and Pathologic Correlation

Kawamoto¹,

Horton²,

Fishman³

1999

RadioGraphics

119

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a potentially life-threatening acute infectious colitis caused by one or more toxins produced by an unopposed proliferation of Clostridium difficile bacteria. PMC is characterized by the presence of elevated, yellow-white plaques forming pseudomembranes on the colonic mucosa. These plaques can be visualized at both pathologic analysis and endoscopy. Plain radiography, contrast enema studies, and computed tomography (CT) are useful in the evaluation of PMC. Plain radiography of the abdomen can demonstrate polypoid mucosal thickening, "thumbprinting" (wide transverse bands associated with haustral fold thickening), or gaseous distention of the colon. A toxic megacolon with distention and occasionally pneumoperitoneum may be seen in the most severe cases of PMC involving perforation. At contrast enema studies, the primary finding in mild cases of PMC is small nodular filling defects representing the mucosal plaques. With more extensive colonic involvement, the plaques are larger and coalesce to form an irregular bowel wall margin. Mural thickening and wide haustral folds caused by intramural edema may also be seen. A contrast enema study is contraindicated in patients with severe PMC due to the danger of perforation. Common CT findings include wall thickening, low-attenuation mural thickening corresponding to mucosal and submucosal edema, the "accordion sign," the "target sign" ("double halo sign"), pericolonic stranding, and ascites. Familiarity with these imaging characteristics may allow early diagnosis and treatment and prevent progression to more serious pathologic conditions.

show abstract

Section: Figures 4-6 (4)mentioning

confidence: 97%

Pseudomembranous Colitis: Spectrum of Imaging Findings with Clinical and Pathologic Correlation

Kawamoto¹,

Horton²,

Fishman³

1999

RadioGraphics

119

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Colitis associated with oral clindamycin therapy

et al. 1976

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of 16 patients hospitalized with clindamycin-associated colitis are presented. The findings are tabulated and compared to 33 cases reported in the literature. The majority of patients were caucasian females over 40 years of age. The clinical presentation varied from mild persistent diarrhea to acute surgical abdomen. Proctoscopic examination revealed nonspecific colitis in 9 and pseudomembranous colitis in 7 cases. No specific radiologic or histologic fingings for postanitbiotic colitis were found. Therapy was nonspecific and varied according to the severity of the clinical course. Clinically, there appeared to be some benefit from systemic steroid therapy. 4 of the 16 patients died. None of the recovered patients have had spontaneous relapses off medication during follow-up evaluation. The pathogenic mechanism for postantibiotic colitis secondary to clindamycin remains unknown and does not appear dose related. Clindamycin therapy should be limited to disorders with specific indications.

show abstract