GLUTARALDEHYDE COLITIS - RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS

PURPOSE: Two percent glutaraldehyde on colonic mucosa may result in a toxic colitis, and the clinical features may mimic those of colonic is chemia. The study was performed to determine the radiologic appearance of glutaraldehyde-induced toxic colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A ret rospective review was performed with the clinical and imaging findings in four patients with glutaraldehyde-induced colitis seen during a 6- year period. RESULTS: Patients developed a self-limited syndrome of cr amps and abdominal pain, tenesmus, and rectal bleeding within 48 hours of uncomplicated sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Sample cultures exclud ed enteric pathogens. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated circumfere ntial thickening of the colonic wall in a left-sided distribution in a ll patients. Heterogeneous mural enhancement (target-sign appearance) was noted in two patients. Follow-up CT studies confirmed resolution o f mural wall thickening with conservative management. CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiologic features of glutaraldehyde-induced toxic colit is may mimic those of colonic ischemia. This complication should be su spected in patients who develop hemorrhagic colitis immediately after undergoing colonoscopy.