Endoscopic and Clinical Features of Ischemic Colitis

Objective:To evaluate clinical and endoscopic characteristics of ischemic colitis(IC),and to explore the methods for the early diagnosis of IC.Methods:To analyse interrelated information of 24 cases of IC diagnosed by colonoscopic and pathology from June 2001 to June 2006.All patients underwent colonoscopy with biopsy within 5 days of symptoms,and repeated the exam in 2 weeks to 3months.Results:Of the 24 cases(10 men and 14 women,average age 67 years old,range 41~82),21 were over50 years of age.IC usually presented with sudden onset of left lower quadrant abdominal pain,diarrhea and hematochezia.Patients' ischemic lesions were most often on the left colon.It consisted transient or reversible colitis in 23 cases,stricture colitis in 1 cases.Morphologic changes varied with the duration and severity of the injury.Conclusion:Colonoscopy with biopsy is the main method for the diagnosis of IC.It should be performed in the early stage of the onset of symptoms.