[Pseudomembranous colitis complicated with toxic megacolon. Report of a case].
We present a patient who developed pseudomembranous colitis a few days after suffering serious multiple traumas and after receiving a variety of antibiotic treatments. The patient, whose condition was further complicated by toxic megacolon, underwent subtotal colectomy and ileostomy. Toxic megacolon is a rare complication of enterocolitis due to C. difficile and is associated with a high rate of mortality. We review the cases published to date, describe the pathogenesis of the condition, and discuss the diagnostic criteria for pseudomembranous colitis, emphasizing treatment and possible complications.
Fernández-Guisasola
J
J
Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Clínica Puerta de Hierro, Madrid.
Requejo
D
D
Herrero
E
E
Palencia
J
J
Trigo
C
C
Peral
A
A
D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008532:Megacolon, Toxic / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged