Typhlitis

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the pathophysiological features and ma nagement of the clinical entity typhlitis. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: The data presented ape derived from a rev iew of the English-language literature on typhlitis. The majority of papers analysed were small clinical series. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data derived from the literature review were collated. The major finding was that typhlitis comprises a number of diffe rent diseases characterized by the presence of right lower quadrant pain, a n immunocompromised host and altered function of the mucosal barrier of the : right colon. CONCLUSIONS: Typhlitis should be suspected in any immunocompromised patient presenting with right loner quadrant pain with compatible radiographic fin dings. Most patients can be treated conservatively with intravenously admin istered fluids and antibiotics, although surgery may be necessary if compli cations arise.