When to suspect ischemic colitis

PREVIEW

Ischemic colitis is a particularly elusive disease. A sudden drop in the colonic blood supply is key to its development, but in most patients, no specific cause of the decrease can be identified. Presentation can range from acute abdominal cramping and distention to mild pain, and typically, patients are otherwise well. Diagnosis is challenging because of the wide disparity between symptoms and objective findings. In this article, the authors review predisposing and identifying factors, the usual course of the disease, and diagnostic and management measures.