| [ Summary ] |
E.coli, which causes diarrhea, is classified into five groups depending on the mode of pathogenesis. Of these, enterohemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC) is the most important in clinical situations. The production of Vero toxin may result in life threatening complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome in addition to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Accordingly, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the prevention of secondary infection, are important. Emergency colonoscopy is often carried out due to the presence of bloody diarrhea; inflammatory findings such as edema and hemorrhagic erosions are seen in the proximal colon. Notable colonic wall thickening, dominant in the right-side of the colon, can also be detected by abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography. These imaging modalities are useful for early diagnosis. |