Ischemic colitis revisited: a prospective study identifying hypercoagulability as a risk factor.
BACKGROUND
Although causes for ischemic colitis have been identified, many cases are deemed idiopathic. Some reports suggest an association between ischemic colitis and coagulation disorders. Our purpose was to explore the relationship of ischemic colitis and clotting abnormalities.


METHODS
Eighteen patients consented to undergo a hypercoagulability evaluation. Tests included protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance, factor V Leiden, anticardiolipin antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, rheumatoid factor, antithrombin III, anti-smooth muscle antibody, lupus anticoagulant panel, and prothrombin 20210G/A mutation (in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy).


RESULTS
Five of 18 patients tested positive for coagulation abnormalities, including factor V and activated protein C resistance, protein S deficiency, prothrombin 20210G/A mutation, and anticardiolipin antibody.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with ischemic colitis studied for coagulation defects in the United States. The prevalence of clotting disorders in our study (28%) was higher than that in the general population (8.4%). Coagulation disorders should be considered in some cases of ischemic colitis that are thought to be idiopathic.
Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Affiliated Hospitals at Canton, Canton, OH 44708, USA.
Robin
R
Midian-Singh
Ann
A
Polen
Catherine
C
Durishin
Ronald D
RD
Crock
Frederick C
FC
Whittier
Nabil
N
Fahmy
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D017091:Colitis, Ischemic / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology