Toxic Megacolon: A Review for Emergency Department Clinicians

Bowel perforation due to chronic idiopathic megacolon: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Chronic idiopathic megacolon is a rare condition characterized by an irreversible distension of the colon in the absence of organic disease. The pathogenesis of this condition is still unclear and the data in literatures are not consistent.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of an 87-years-old woman affected by bowel perforation in chronic idiopathic megacolon. The patient underwent an emergency subtotal colectomy with terminal ileostomy. The postoperative was uneventful. At the histopathological examination, no organic cause of megacolon was found, so a diagnosis of idiopathic megacolon was done.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Idiopathic megacolon is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and pathological features. If not carefully investigated, can lead to severe complications such as perforation of the dilated bowel and subsequent peritonitis and sepsis, metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities. The protocols for management of IMC remains controversial. To achieve a good long-term outcome, early intervention is recommended.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of idiopathic megacolon is needed to perform the best therapeutic strategy and prevent complications, but further studies are needed.

Toxic megacolon as a rare complication following atropine therapy due to organophosphate poisoning: A case report

The main therapeutic basis for a case of organophosphate poisoning is a combination therapy which includes atropine as an anticholinergic drug and pralidoxime. If the poisoning is severe, a high dose of this combination of medicines may be needed, but this may cause serious side effects: paralytic ileus or even megacolon; however, these gastrointestinal events are very rare. Here, we report a case of organophosphate poisoning where atropine therapy was given and led to drug-associated toxic megacolon.