The Spectrum of Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

The spectrum of pseudomembranous enterocolitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Pseudomembranous (entero)colitis is primarily caused by Clostridium difficile infection. The most common predisposing factor is prior use of antibiotics, including vancomycin and metronidazole, which themselves are therapy for C difficile colitis. Other risk factors have also been described. The presence of C difficile in the gastrointestinal tract leads to a spectrum of manifestations from the...

The role of surgery in pseudomembranous enterocolitis.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder caused by Clostridium difficile toxins. Classical presentation includes abdominal pain, pyrexia, diarrhoea and leucocytes. The management is mainly conservative but in extreme cases surgery is necessary. Resectional procedures (colectomy) carry a better prognosis than diversion procedures (colostomy). A careful history, a high ind...

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis complicating ampicillin therapy.

A case of fatal pseudomembranous enterocolitis associated with ampicillin therapy is described and possible mechanisms for its production discussed.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis with jujunal perforation associated with CL. Welchii infection.

Roentgenographic features in antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis.

CASE PRESENTATIONS Case 1 . A 62-year-old woman with diabetes was admitted because of an infected toe. Physical examination was normal except for an ulceration of the left 4th toe. Routine laboratory studies revealed only elevated blood sugar and moderate ketonuria. A roentgenogram of the toe revealed osteomyelitis. The infection improved with clindamycin therapy (300 mg IV, t:d), and the toe w...