Ischemic Colitis
Definition
Ischemic colitis is a condition where the colon (large intestine) is damaged due to a lack of blood flow.
Etiological and Risk Factors
- Reduced blood flow to the colon due to various reasons
- Atherosclerosis
- Thrombosis
- Vasculitis
- Embolism
- Sepsis
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
- Cardiac arrest
- Surgery or trauma
Clinical Features
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloody stools
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Abdominal distension
Classification
- Segmental ischemia
- Non-segmental ischemia
- Transmural ischemia
- Submucosal ischemia
Pathology
- Infarction of the intestinal mucosa
- Submucosal hemorrhage
- Thrombosis of the intestinal vessels
- Vasculitis
- Embolism
Differential Diagnosis
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diverticulitis
- Intestinal obstruction
Complications
- Infarction of the colon
- Perforation of the colon
- Abscess formation
- Sepsis
- Death
Diagnostic Approach
- Clinical examination
- Laboratory tests (complete blood count, electrolytes, liver function tests)
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound)
- Colonoscopy
Investigations
- CT angiogram
- Colonoscopy
- Histopathological examination of biopsy samples
Management
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Oxygen therapy
- Antibiotics
- Surgical intervention
- Vasodilators
Treatment
- Conservative management (rest, fluids, and antibiotics)
- Surgical resection of the affected segment
- Endoscopic treatment (angioplasty, stenting)
Homeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
- Aconitum napellus: For abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Bryonia: For abdominal pain and constipation
- Colocynth: For abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Graphites: For diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Nux vomica: For constipation and abdominal pain