Colon ischemia: Unusual aspects

Responsible for 1 in 2,000 hospital admissions and 1 in 100 flexible sigmoidoscopies and colonoscopies in tertiary care settings, colon ischemia (CI) is the most common ischemic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. CI is usually idiopathic, but medications, coagulation disorders, and illicit drug use have been identified as causes. Colonoscopy is the standard diagnostic tool, replacing barium enema. Although most patients with CI recover completely, segmental colitis, gangrene, stricture, and fulminant universal colitis can result. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually provided in the treatment of CI.