Glutaraldehyde colitis: radiologic findings.
OBJECTIVE
Two percent glutaraldehyde on colonic mucosa may result in a toxic colitis, and the clinical features may mimic those of colonic ischemia. The study was performed to determine the radiologic appearance of glutaraldehyde-induced toxic colitis.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed with the clinical and imaging findings in four patients with glutaraldehyde-induced colitis seen during a 6-year period.


RESULTS
Patients developed a self-limited syndrome of cramps and abdominal pain, tenesmus, and rectal bleeding within 48 hours of uncomplicated sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Sample cultures excluded enteric pathogens. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated circumferential thickening of the colonic wall in a left-sided distribution in all patients. Heterogeneous mural enhancement (target-sign appearance) was noted in two patients. Follow-up CT studies confirmed resolution of mural wall thickening with conservative management.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical and radiologic features of glutaraldehyde-induced toxic colitis may mimic those of colonic ischemia. This complication should be suspected in patients who develop hemorrhagic colitis immediately after undergoing colonoscopy.
Birnbaum
B A
BA
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Gordon
R B
RB
Jacobs
J E
JE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003092:Colitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020685:Colonoscopes; D004203:Disinfection; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005976:Glutaral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020694:Sigmoidoscopes; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D005976:Glutaral