A Case of Ischemic Colitis due to Falling Down / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

Ischemic colitis, the most common form of acute mesenteric ischemia, is encountered primarily in elderly patients, and frequently presents with abdominal cramping pain and hematochezia. Both occlusive and nonocclusive underlying mechanisms have been proposed, but the precise pathophysiology remains unknown. On colonoscopy, the earlier signs of ischemic colitis are mucosal hyperemia, edema, and hemorrhagic nodules representing submucosal bleeding. It is followed by well-demarcated elongated ulcerations covered with exudate. In most cases, the clinical course is transient and self-limiting. After conservative treatment with hydration, cessation of food, and broad-spectrum antibiotics, clinical symptoms improve within several days. Recently, we have experienced a case of ischemic colitis following falling down and report this case with a review of the literature.