A Case of Idiopathic Megacolon Presented by Constipation / 대한소화관운동학회지

ABSTRACT

The condition of an idiopathically dilated colon appears to be clinically heterogenous, very uncommon, and subsequently often poorly managed. Recently, one case of idiopathic megacolon presented by constipation was investigated. The patient was abruptly constipated 6 months prior to the hospital visit. The results of a barium enema and colonoscopy were nonspecific. On plain abdominal radiographs, the ascending and transverse colon were markedly dilated, and the descending colon was not visible. During the conservative management, which included laxative and prokinetic medication, the clinical symptoms and the colonic dilatations on plain radiographs were reduced, and discharged. After that however, repetitive admissions due to abdominal distension and constipation ensued, and therefore a total colectomy was performed in order to improve the patient's quality of life.