title: Pseudomembranous colitis.
abstract: Three basic histopathological patterns which may be seen in rectal biopsies from patients with pseudomembranous colitis are described, based on a study of 29 cases. The spectrum of change is illustrated and the problems of differential diagnosis are discussed--from a non-diagnostic proctitis at one extreme to acute ischaemia at the other. In the differential diagnosis of the acute colitic, the importance of urgent rectal biopsy and a carefully taken drug history is stressed. The association of pseudomembranous colitis with pre-existing disease and antibiotic therapy is confirmed. It is suggested that these cause local mucosal damage and may trigger the first part of a local Shwartzman reaction. Capillary microthrombosis may then paly a part in producing the mucosal necrosis seen later in the disease.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000473:pathology; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents