|
|
Toxic Megacolon
Alternate Names : Megarectum, Toxic Dilation of the Colon
Definition Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions, characterized by a very dilated colon, abdominal distention, and sometimes fever, abdominal pain, or shock.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
This is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and some infections of the colon. Other forms of megacolon exist and can be congenital (from birth) or associated with some forms of constipation.
Today's Top News Stories | • | FDA Backs Cholesterol Drug Vytorin - Jan 08, 2009, 17:00
Review says it lowered bad cholesterol more effectively than Zocor. | • | Common Flu Strain Resistant to Popular Antiviral Drug - Jan 08, 2009, 19:00
But other medications are available that work, CDC officials stress. | • | Many Turn Blind Eye to Racism - Jan 08, 2009, 17:00
They're not quick to condemn hurtful comments, study suggests. | • | Studies Challenge Framingham Risk Score - Jan 08, 2009, 19:00
The long-standing assessment for heart risk may not be accurate in some cases. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 8, 2009 - Jan 08, 2009, 10:12
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Neurologic Disorders
- Seizure Disorders
|
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Toxic Megacolon Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Toxic Megacolon Symptoms & Signs
• Toxic Megacolon Prevention
• Toxic Megacolon Diagnosis & Tests
• Toxic Megacolon Treatment
• Toxic Megacolon Prognosis
• Toxic Megacolon Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Crohn's Disease
• Dehydration
• Sepsis
• Septic Shock
• Ulcerative Colitis
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• CBC
• Pulse
• WBC Count
Surgery & Procedures
• Bowel Resection
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Sounds
• Diarrhea
• Electrolytes
• Fever
• Physical Examination
• Pulse - Bounding
• Shock
Review Date : 2/15/2002
Reviewed By : Jenifer K. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, and Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
