Stercoral Colitis-Induced Ischemia Mimicking acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A case report and Literature Review

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2024 Feb 28;11(3):004328. doi: 10.12890/2024_004328. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTStercoral colitis is a rare but serious condition characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa due to impacted and hardened faecal material. The word "stercoral" means "related to faeces". This condition usually develops due to the accumulation of hard stool masses in the colon, which cause localized inflammation and irritation. These faecalomas can exert persistent pressure on the colonic wall, causing damage and inflammation. Stercoral colitis presenting symptoms that mimic acute mesenteric ischemia is a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to the overlap in clinical manifestations. Changes in bowel habits, bloating, and excruciating abdominal pain are potential manifestations of both illnesses, making it difficult to distinguish between them using clinical presentation. Diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography scans, significantly discriminates between stercoral colitis and acute mesenteric ischemia. In cases where stercoral colitis mimics acute mesenteric ischemia, a thorough evaluation is essential to rule out vascular compromise. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial, as the management strategies for these two conditions differ significantly. Stercoral colitis often requires bowel evacuation and addressing the underlying faecal impaction. Acute mesenteric ischemia demands prompt vascular intervention to restore blood flow and prevent severe compli...
Source: Pain Physician - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research