Nephron

Ischemic Colitis

Article
Digestive Health
Heart & Vascular Health
+2
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHOct 17, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Intestinal Ischemia
  • Ischaemic Colitis
  • Ischemic Bowel Disease

What is Ischemic Colitis? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Ischemic Colitis is a condition that can arise when an artery that supplies blood to the intestines is blocked. It generally affects elderly women, but any individual may be susceptible to the condition
  • A few risk factors for Ischemic Colitis include old age, previous abdominal surgery, and high cholesterol levels in the body. The condition may be caused by hypotension and atherosclerosis
  • The signs and symptoms of Ischemic Colitis may include nausea, vomiting, and bloody stools. If left untreated, the condition can result in complications such as bowel inflammation or obstruction
  • The diagnosis of Ischemic Colitis includes colonoscopy and ultrasound scan of the abdomen
  • The treatment may vary from individual to individual, but can include the administration of antibiotics and IV fluids. The prognosis of Ischemic Colitis is usually good with suitable treatment
  • Ischemic Colitis may be prevented by staying well-hydrated, eating healthy and by controlling the risk factors

Who gets Ischemic Colitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

The individuals who tend to be affected by Ischemic Colitis include the following:

  • The elderly adults, 60 years or older; although, younger individuals may also be affected
  • Both men and women are susceptible to the condition, but Ischemic Colitis is mostly seen in women
  • Individuals from any race or ethnicity are susceptible to the condition

What are the Risk Factors for Ischemic Colitis? (Predisposing Factors)

Some risk factors of Ischemic Colitis include:

  • Advancing age: Older individuals are more prone to the condition
  • High cholesterol in the body that can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries
  • Clotting abnormalities: These are conditions that affect the clotting of blood, thus increasing the risk of Ischemic Colitis
  • Reduced blood flow such as due to low blood pressure; a common cause of low blood pressure is heart failure
  • Heavy exercise can lead to reduced blood flow to the colon
  • Obstruction of the colon leading to decreased blood flow
  • Any previous abdominal surgery that leads to scar tissue formation may reduce blood flow to the intestines

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ischemic Colitis? (Etiology)

The possible causes of Ischemic Colitis include:

  • Blockage in the colon
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Obstruction in the arteries because of a blood clot or a tumor
  • Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup)
  • Medical disorders that affect blood, such as sickle cell anemia
  • Methamphetamine or cocaine use

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ischemic Colitis?

Some signs and symptoms of Ischemic Colitis include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping pain and tenderness in the stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody stools
  • Frequent urge to defecate
  • Bowel inflammation

How is Ischemic Colitis Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose Ischemic Colitis, the primary healthcare provider may perform the following tests and exams:

  • Comprehensive medical history assessment and complete physical exam including symptom check
  • Abdominal X-ray
  • Abdominal CT scan or MRI scan
  • Colonoscopy
  • CT angiography

All of these exams and procedures can help diagnose Ischemic Colitis and rule out other diseases.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ischemic Colitis?

The possible complications of severe Ischemic Colitis may include:

  • Persistent bleeding in the intestines
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Intestinal perforation
  • Ischemia with time can cause tissue death (gangrenous colitis)

How is Ischemic Colitis Treated?

Generally, Ischemic Colitis tends to get better on its own within a few days. Hence, the treatment of Ischemic Colitis will depend on the severity of the disease. The healthcare provider may recommend the following measures:

  • Bowel rest for mild cases
  • Intravenous fluids in case of a dehydration
  • Antibiotics to prevent any infections
  • Treatment for any underlying medical conditions that lead to Ischemic Colitis, such as heart failure
  • Surgery for more severe cases

How can Ischemic Colitis be Prevented?

To prevent Ischemic Colitis or to reduce the chances of developing the condition, the following steps may be considered:

  • Drinking plenty of water to stay adequately hydrated
  • Exercising regularly and having low fat diets
  • Eating high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables
  • Eliminating any medication that can lead to Ischemic Colitis
  • Having regular checkups and exams, especially in the case of elderly adults

What is the Prognosis of Ischemic Colitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis for individuals with Ischemic Colitis is generally good with suitable treatment
  • The condition tends to improve within a few weeks if treated appropriately
  • If the individual responds to various treatment measures, the prognosis is generally better, compared to those who do not respond favorably to treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ischemic Colitis:

  • Individuals with severe abdominal pains should visit the emergency room right away to avoid any possible future complications
  • It is advisable to visit the healthcare provider if there is prolonged, moderate, or occasional stomach pains, as this could be a sign of Ischemic Colitis
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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