Ischemic Colitis

This is the condition characterized by reduction in the blood flow towards the colon which is the part of small intestine mainly due to narrowing and obstruction of blood vessels. This leads to decrease oxygen supply to the cells of digestive tract.

Symptoms

Intense pain and tenderness on left side of abdomen
Diarrhea
Nausea
Blood accompanied stool which could be bright red or marron red in colour. Blood sometimes come alone without stool
Urgency to defecate

Causes

Some risks increase the tendency of blood vessels to become blocked. Some of them are:

Arteriosclerosis
Hypotension associated with heart failure, some surgery, trauma or shock
Venous thrombosis
Hernia, scar tissues or tumor leading to bowel obstruction.
Colon cancer
Cocaine and methamphetamine usage

Complications

Some concerning complications are:

Gangrene
Perforation of intestine
Segmented ulcerating colitis
Ischemic structure

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of patient. Other tests and investigations include:

Ultrasound and CT scan of abdomen
Stool analysis
magnetic resonance angiography
Colonoscopy

Treatment

Treatment options include:

Antibiotics are prescribed
To combat dehydration intravenous fluid is given
Avoiding medication that causes constriction of blood vessels.
Surgery is sometimes considered.

Ischemic Colitis