Clinical characteristics of ischemic colitis and ulcerative colitis

Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of ischemic colitis （IC） and ulcerative colitis （UC）. Methods The data of 43 IC patients and 36 UC patients diagnosed from January 2008 to June 2011 were compared on the clinical and endoscopic characteristics. Results There were statistical differences in terms of gender, age, course of disease and underlying diseases between the two groups （P 〈 0. 05）. IC was more frequently seen in aged women with cardiovascular diseases, and with short course of disease （29/43,67.0%）. IC group showed higher CRP and lower PLT levd than did UC group（ P 〈0.05 ）. IC mostly involved sigmoid colon,with localized lesions of vertical or irregular ulcer which cured more quick and characterized with mucosal inflammation, while UC mainly originated from rectum and involved the whole intestinal wall, manifested with scattered spot ulcer, cryptitis and abscess. Conclusion Age, disease course, underlying diseases, serum CRP level, endoscopic and pathological characteristics are all factors to consider for differential diagnosis of IC and UC. Key words: Isehemic colitis;  Colitis,ulcerative;  Diagnosis