Toxic megacolon
Toxic megacolon is characterized by extreme inflammation and distention of the colon. Common symptoms are pain, distention of the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, and dehydration. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical treatment.
Review Date: 05/27/2008
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington
University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
