Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions that causes rapid widening (dilation) of part of the large intestine within 1 to a few days.
Alternative Names:
Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum
Causes, incidence, and 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 (present since birth) or associated with some forms of constipation.
Symptoms:
The rapid widening of the colon may cause the following symptoms:
The rapid widening (dilation) of the colon distinguishes it 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 abdominal tenderness and possible loss of bowel sounds.
Blood electrolytes may reveal a low potassium level or signs of dehydration.
Review Date: 11/13/2007
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., 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.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
