What is Pseudomembranous Colitis?

Pseudomembranous Colitis
(A) The irradiation fields in radiation plan. Fifty-four Gray (Gy) and 50 Gy was delivered in red and green area, respectively. (B) The first evaluative CT scans after concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Inflammation of the sigmoid colon showing infiltrative changes around the site of anastomosis, edematous changes on the serosal surface, and marked thickening of the colonic wall. (C) The second evaluative CT performed at 3-month follow-up reveals mild inflammatory changes around the anastomotic site. (D) Endoscopic examination showed multiple white and yellow pseudomembranes on the wall of the rectum, as well as swelling, suggesting pseudomembranous colitis. (E) After a 2-week course of antibiotics, the number of pseudomembranes decreased and the severity of diarrhea gradually improved. (F) Histolopathologic analysis revealed partial or full thickness necrosis of the mucosa, glandular hypersecretion, and pseudomembranes composed of fibrin, mucus, and inflammatory cells (hematoxylin and eosin stain, ×100), findings suggestive of pseudomembranous colitis. (G) Gram-positive bacilli were identified in the suppurative exudate over the colonic mucosa (red arrows, Gram stain, ×400). Pseudomembranous colitis within radiotherapy field following concurrent chemoradiation therapy: a case report. Shen BJ, Lin SC, Shueng PW, Chou YH, Tseng LM, Hsieh CH - OncoTargets and therapy (2013). Not Altered. CC.

Pseudomembranous colitis is inflammation swelling, irritation of the large intestine. In many cases, it occurs after taking antibiotics. Using antibiotics can cause the bacterium Clostridium difficile C. diff to grow and infect the lining of the intestine, which produces the inflammation.

What is the Pathology of Pseudomembranous Colitis?

The pathology of pseudomembranous colitis is:

-Etiology: The cause of pseudomembranous colitis is antibiotics.

-Genes involved: None.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to pseudomembranous colitis are: pathognomonic of infection by toxin-producing Clostridium difficile and develops as a result of altered normal microflora usually by antibiotic therapy that favors overgrowth and colonization of the intestine by Clostridium difficile and production of its toxins.

-Histology: The histology associated with pseudomembranous colitis shows whitish plaques attached to mucosa.

How does Pseudomembranous Colitis Present?

Patients with pseudomembranous colitis typically all genders at any age. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with pseudomembranous colitis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, pain or tenderness, fever, mucus in the stool, nausea, and dehydration. 

How is Pseudomembranous Colitis Diagnosed?

Pseudomembranous colitis is diagnosed by examining a sample of feces in a laboratory to identify toxins produced by bacteria.

How is Pseudomembranous Colitis Treated?

Pseudomembranous colitis is treated by metronidazole, vancomycin, or fidaxomicin.

What is the Prognosis of Pseudomembranous Colitis?

The prognosis of pseudomembranous colitis is good. Most patients will experience complete recovery within 10 days.

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Last updated on May 25, 2022