An Outbreak of Glutaraldehyde Colitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Disinfecting solutions of endoscope, including glutaraldehyde cause colonic damage if allowed to contact mucosa. Glutaraldehyde colitis occurs due to inadvertent contact during colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. We experienced unexpectedly glutaraldehyde colitis. We describe symptoms, signs and clinical courses of glutaraldehyde colitis. METHODS: Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy were performed at one session after bowel cleaning with polyethylene glycol ingestion 2~3 liters. Within 24 hours, all of them visited emergency room because of bloody diarrhea, vomiting and colicky abdominal pain. We performed sigmoidoscopy again in one patient. RESULTS: Sigmoidoscopic findings was diffuse edematous, hyperemic mucosa and shallow ulcerations similar to the findings of ischemic colitis. But, un-contacted mucosa was normal findings which can be completely distinguished from contacted mucosa. Microscopically, colonic mucosa showed edema, polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration and fibroprulent exudates with surface erosions. Laboratory findings were non-specific except leukocytosis of peripheral blood. Both bacterial cultures of blood and stool were negative in all patients. Symptoms subsided within 7 days and duration of admission is almost within 9 days. All of patients recovered completely without any complication. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of glutaraldehyde colitis resembled colonic ischemia in symptoms and endoscopic findings. This complication should be suspected in patients who develop hemorrhagic colitis suddenly after undergoing colonoscopy.