INTESTINE Vol.16 No.5(3-3)

Theme Intestinal ulcerations related to vascular disorders
Title Ischemic enterocolitis
Publish Date 2012/09
Author Kazuhiro Kashiwagi Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Naoki Hosoe Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Makoto Naganuma Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Nagamu Inoue Center for Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Yasushi Iwao Center for Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Kayoko Kimura Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Hajime Takabayashi Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Toshifumi Hibi Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
Author Haruhiko Ogata Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University
[ Summary ] Intestinal ischemia is defined as a lesion consisting of reversible and localized ischemia due to microcirculatory disturbances and no occlusion of the main abdominal artery. Bowel habits and arteriosclerosis are thought to be causes of ischemic colitis. Intestinal ischemia is diagnosed through blood tests, abdominal computed tomography, balloon enteroscopy / colonoscopy and / or small intestine follow-through / barium enemas. Circumferential ulcers, with intestinal strictures, are characteristic of idiopathic ischemic enteritis. In the acute stage of ischemic colitis, colonoscopy is useful for diagnosis. Images produced exhibit vasodilatation, redness, edema, scale-patterns and longitudinal ulcers in the colonic mucosa. In most cases of intestinal ischemia, conservative treatment is required to allow the intestine or colon to rest. However, gangrenous conditions require prompt treatment, such as surgical resection.
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