Ischemic colitis: spectrum of disease and outcome.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to identify risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of patients with colon ischemia.


METHODS
A 10-year (1992-2002) retrospective study was undertaken. Patients were identified from computerized hospital discharge information. Patient variables were entered into a computerized database and analyzed.


RESULTS
One hundred twenty-nine patients were identified. The mean age was 66 years (range, 29-98 years); 47% were male. Forty-three patients (33%) had chronic renal failure; 73 patients (57%) were receiving vasoactive drugs, and 72 patients (56%) had atherosclerosis. Fifty-four of 129 patients (42%) had ischemic colitis in-hospital. Fifty-six of 129 patients (43%) had melena; 49 of 56 patients (88%) survived. Forty-three of 129 patients (33%) had an acute abdomen; 22 of 43 patients (51%) died. Seventy of 129 patients (54%) were treated nonoperatively initially; the condition of 17 of 70 patients (24%) required surgery. Of 76 patients who were treated operatively, 31 patients (41%) died. Eleven patients at operation had ischemia without colon infarction or perforation; 5 of these patients (45%) died. The overall mortality rate was 29% (37/129 patients).


CONCLUSIONS
Ischemic colitis is associated with chronic renal failure and atherosclerosis. Patients commonly have an acute abdomen. The absence of colonic infarction does not ensure a favorable outcome. Patients who are felt to be candidates for nonoperative therapy have significant mortality rates. Mortality rates remain high, despite treatment.
Scharff
James R
JR
Department of Surgery, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Longo
Walter E
WE
Vartanian
Shant M
SM
Jacobs
Donald L
DL
Bahadursingh
Anil N
AN
Kaminski
Donald L
DL
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D017091:Colitis, Ischemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008551:Melena / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome