Ischaemic colitis: descriptive analysis in a Madrid hospital

Background. Ischaemic colitis represents the most common form of intestinal ischaemia and involves more commly elderly patients with a variety of unde rlying conditions. This study analyses the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the di sease in our environment. Patients and Methods. The IC cases ocurred at our institution during the la st two years were studied. Twenty-eight cases of IC obtained by reviewing c olonoscopy and pathological records were analyzed. Results. The non-occlusive type is the most common presentation form of IC. It affected elderly patients (74 +/- 10 years) with cardiovascular risk fa ctors. Most cases manifested with abdominal pain (68%). In 64% cases, colon oscopy showed ulcerations, located mainly at descending colon and rectosigm oid. The clinical course was generally favourable with conservative measure s. The overall mortality rate was 10%. Conclusion. The possibility of IC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elderly patient with abdominal pain and cardiovascular risk fa ctors.