(Ischemic Colitis)
Definition
Definition
Ischemic bowel disease results from inadequate flow of oxygenated blood to the intestines. The extent of ischemic bowel disease can range from mild to severe based on the amount of damage from lack of oxygenated blood. This is a potentially serious condition and immediate medical care. The sooner ischemic bowel disease is treated, the more favorable the outcome.
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Causes
Causes
Ischemic bowel disease occurs when an artery that supplies blood becomes blocked or narrowed. There are several possible causes of ischemic bowel disease, including:
- Blockage in the arteries due to a tumor or blood clot
- Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the bowel from atherosclerosis
- Obstruction in the colon (large intestine)
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Ischemic bowel disease is more common in older adults. Other factors that may increase your chances of developing ischemic bowel disease include:
- Shock induced by conditions such as blood stream infection and blood loss
- Recent heart attack
- Sustained abnormal heart beat
- Heart failure
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Coronary artery bypass surgery or other vascular surgeries
- Colon cancer
- Certain medications that cause arteries to narrow
- Diabetes
- Hemodialysis
- Sickle cell disease
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
Symptoms
Symptoms
Ischemic bowel disease may cause:
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Frequent urge to defecate
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal distension
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may suspect ischemic bowel disease based on your symptoms and risk factors. Tests may be done to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Tests may include the following:
- Abdominal x-ray
- Abdominal CT scan or MRI scan
- Colonoscopy —a procedure where a long flexible tube is inserted through the rectum to inspect the colon and rectum
- Angiography —an x-ray test used to view the arteries supplying the bowel
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the severity of the ischemia and include the following:
Supportive Care
Bowel rest and intravenous fluids are given in mild cases without significant progressed damage to the bowel.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are administered to minimize infection, which can quickly complicate an ischemic bowel.
Surgery
In more severe cases, surgery is required to remove the ischemic colon.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of developing ischemic bowel disease, take the following steps:
- Stay well hydrated
- Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease through regular exercise and a balanced diet low in fat and calories
- Consume plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber, which may reduce your risk of colon cancer
RESOURCES:
National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) http://www.cag-acg.org
References:
Greenwald DA, Brandt LJ, Reinus JF. Ischemic bowel disease in the elderly. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2001;30:445-465.
Ischemic colitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated September 25, 2013. Accessed August 13, 2014.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013