Ischemic colitis

[Julian]

Ischemic colitis is injury of the large intestine that results from an interruption of blood flow.

Abdominal pain and bloody stools are common.
Computed tomography is usually done, and colonoscopy is sometimes done.
Most people get better with fluids given by vein and by not eating anything, but a few require surgery.

(See also Overview of Gastrointestinal Emergencies.)
Ischemic colitis results from an interruption of blood flow through arteries that supply the large intestine. Often doctors cannot find a cause for the reduced blood flow, but it is more common among people with heart and blood vessel disease, people who have had surgery on their aorta, or people who have problems with increased blood clotting. Ischemic colitis primarily affects people who are 60 or older.
Reduction of blood flow damages the inside lining and inner layers of the wall of the large intestine, causing ulcers (sores) in the lining of the large intestine, which can bleed.