Editing Ischaemic colitis (section)

== '''Workup''' ==

* Stool spec - specifically     exclude CDI
* AXR
** Thumb print - submucosal      oedema - most common finding - but non-specific
** Colonic dilatation
** Mural thickening
* CT
** IV/PO contrast
** Should probably do      multi-phase scan to exclude acute mesenteric ischaemia if indicated
* Flexi sig is gold standard
** No increased risk of      perforation, but refrain from over-insufflation, and no need to go      further than the pathology
** Can't usually distinguish      between partial and full thickness ischaemia
** Ulceration/ischaemic changes
** Single stripe sign is      believed to be specific
** Mild: mucosal oedema,      erythema, petechial haemorrhage, mucosal ulceration, firm mucosa on      biopsy
** Severe: dusky mucosa,      submucosal haemorrhage, haemorrhagic ulcerations that can progress to      frank necrosis
** Abrupt cut-off to normal      mucosa is typical