Ischaemic colitis is an inflammation of the colon (the primary section of the large intestine) resulting from disrupted blood supply to the area. It predominantly impacts individuals over the age of 50. Those with vascular diseases, like stroke or peripheral vascular disease, are at a higher risk. Additional risk factors encompass a history of congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, surgeries that might have harmed the colon’s blood supply, or undergoing abdominal radiotherapy.
Similar to other types of colitis, ischaemic colitis can result in abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. A prolonged decrease in blood supply might cause a stricture (a constricted section) in the impacted part of the colon. An abrupt complete loss of blood flow, whether from thrombosis or an embolism, can lead to the colon’s tissue death or gangrene.
Diagnosis of the condition might involve examining the colon and obtaining a tissue sample (biopsy) from it. Angiography can also be used to identify any obstructions in the blood vessels.
For mild ischaemia, a combination of medications for heart failure and high blood pressure, along with lipid-reducing drugs, and sometimes antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, is typically effective. However, acute ischaemia might necessitate surgery to clear any blood vessel blockages. Parts of the colon that are irreversibly damaged should be excised to prevent the onset of peritonitis and tissue death (gangrene).