| [ Summary ] |
Antibiotic-induced hemorrhagic colitis develops within several days after ingestion of antibiotics, usually penicillins. Colitis starts with diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdominal pain. Barium enema examination conducted during the acute phase shows narrowing of the colon, thumb printing and small barium deposits. Colonic endoscopy shows diffuse hemorrhagic and edematous mucosa, usually sparing the rectum. The diagnosis can be made by the patient's history of illness and typical endoscopic findings. The differential diagnosis should include ulcerative ischemic and infectious forms of colitis. Antibiotic-induced hemorrhagic colitis can be managed with conservative treatment. The mainstay of management is, of course, the discontinue the administration of antibiotics. |