Toxic megacolon (TM) is a rare complication of severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and colonic Crohn's disease (CD), defined as a clinical syndrome accompanied by radiographic evidence of colonic dilatation that in many cases must be treated aggressively with surgical intervention (1). We report two cases of steroid and antibiotic-refractory fulminant Crohn's colitis, complicated by toxic megacolon, who were successfully treated with infliximab (IFX), thus avoiding surgical intervention. Although there are no well defined recommendation about the correct timing of colectomy in CD-associated TM, and despite the fact that it may be imprudent to advocate delaying surgery in favour of anti-tumor necrosis (anti-TNF) factor therapy in these cases, we think that a medical "rescue therapy" can be considered in a subset of patients with stable clinical condition during corticosteroid treatment.
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J Surg Case Rep
December 2024
Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Goodbye Center, Tijuana 22000, Mexico.
Cureus
November 2024
General Surgery, Broward Health and South Florida Surgical Specialists, Fort Lauderdale, USA.
Fulminant colitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of associated bacterial disease leading to inflammation and damage to the colon. Complications such as toxic megacolon, sepsis, and multi-organ failure commonly occur in individuals with compromised immune systems and recent antibiotic use. Management of colitis involves optimization of fluid and electrolyte balance, and elimination of bacteria commonly by administering vancomycin or fidaxomicin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn recent years, there has been a significant rise in both the frequency and severity of colitis. This infection presents a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to severe fulminant colitis, which often requires urgent surgical intervention. The failure of medical treatments and the development of toxic megacolon typically necessitate surgery, though it is associated with high mortality rates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Clin Exp Urol
October 2024
Department of Urology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol
November 2024
Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, FL, USA.
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