ABSTRACT
Objective The clinical and endoscopic characteristics of ischemic colitis (IC) were retrospectively reviewed. Methods 23 aged patients with IC were included; their symptoms,signs,laboratory findings and endoscopic appearances analysed. Results IC occurred most frequently in mid-aged and elders with predominant presentations as acute onset of lower abdominal pains and bloody stools.Endoscopic lesions located mainly in left colon with segmental distribution.Mucosal edema,erosion and submucosal bleeding were common pathological features.Most lesions (91％ ) looked to be nongangrenous, transient and reversible.Only 9 percent of cases turned into chronic stage. Conclusion IC should be suspected in all eldly patients with acute onset of lower abdominal pain and bloody stools.Early colonoscopy is of diagnostic significance.