Lesions of the Colon Following Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

In a series of 22 patients with acute pancreatitis, 4 showed changes of the colonic pattern on plain x-rays of the abdomen. One of these patients developed a reversible stenotic lesion of the splenic flexure. The possible pathogenesis of this lesion is discussed and supported by a series of barium enemas performed during the development of the stenosis. Attention is brought to the specific roentgenologic changes produced by acute pancreatitis, and it is suggested that these changes may be more common than previously appreciated. If a stenosing lesion develops, the experience with the conservatively treated cases demonstrates the reversibility of the lesion.

Key-words:

• Colonic obstruction
• pancreatitis