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Toxic megacolon - Symptom

Alternative Names

Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum

Symptoms:

The rapid widening of the colon may cause the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal distention
Abdominal tenderness
Dehydration
Fever
Rapid heart rate
Shock

Signs and tests:

The rapid widening (dilation) of the colon makes this different from other conditions, such as chronic constipation, that can widen the colon slowly and do not cause sudden, life-threatening symptoms.

A physical exam may reveal signs of septic shock. The doctor will notice tenderness in the abdomen and possible loss of bowel sounds.

Tests:

Digestive system

Toxic megacolon

Crohn's disease - affected areas

Ulcerative colitis

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 5/27/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Su C, Lichtenstein GR. Ulcerative Colitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, Sleisenger MH. Feldman: Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 109.

Marrero F. Severe complications of inflammatory bowel disease. Med Clin North Am. 2008;92:671-686.