Necrotizing colitis associated with carcinoma of the colon

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing colitis associated with carcinoma of the colon, Known also as obstructive colitis, is a disordercharacterized by anulceration and inflammation of the colon proximal to an obstructive lesion, especiallycarcinoma of the rectosigmoid colon, and in rare instances, leads to actual gangrene of the colon. The authorsanalysed radiologic findings in four cases of necrotizing colitis associated with carcinoma of the colon. Bariumenema disclosed mucosal edema, nodular filling defects, irregularity of the colonic controur and typicalthumbprinting appearance of involved colon proximal to an obstructing carcinoma of the colon. The mechanism ofnecrotizing colitis was briefly reviewed.